Your company has just made the decision that they need to upgrade the security and technology systems at your facility. They have tasked you to determine what is needed and how to go about obtaining the systems that meets everyone’s needs while not being too obtrusive to the daily work of all the employees.
Your first question will be, ‘how do I get that done?’ One of your first calls should be to talk with a security design consultant to understand the process and see how they can help.
Today’s business owner has so much on their plate already that they just don’t have the time to worry about all the details involved in implementing a new technology. This is where a security design consultant comes in to provide a clear path when choosing the type of systems, designing the systems, and managing the installation to make sure your business receives what you wanted. By adding a security design consultant to the mix, the end user can rest easy knowing that the systems are designed to specifically meet their unique needs.
When would an end user hire in a security design consultant to design a system?
- Technology upgrades – If a business owner is considering whether or not to upgrade a specific technology; it’s crucial to call in a security design consultant. The security design consultant can work with the owner to help figure out what type of upgrade is needed. The consultant can assess the current telephone, video security, access control, and intrusion detection systems, and make recommendations based on their past experience with other similar projects. In addition, they can also speak directly to architects and engineers and keep the doors of communication open. It’s important that everyone is on board with the changes and works together as a team. A security design consultant can be a great conduit for change.
- Keep things organized/create new technology department – An owner can rely on the security design consultant to help plan and organize a new technology department. From writing specs and new designs for security systems, to detailed drawings and floor plans; the consultant can help keep things organized, on time and on budget.
What is the typical process that a security design consultant uses?
First, it’s important to explain the exact role the consultant plays in the overall picture and the type of services they can provide to the end user. A security design consultant is a person or group that helps the end user realize their technology goals and brings in new ideas and recommendations from other similar projects. They can speak to architects and engineers and provide detailed documentation so the end user knows exactly what they are getting during the installation. They can also explain how the security systems fit into the building structure and its use for employees. The security design consultant can make projects flow smoother and with less headaches and saves the end user time and money. Here are some things you can expect from your security design consultant:
- Provides security assessments - A security design consultant will work with the end user to collect information and make security assessments prior to creating a security design. A threat assessment is conducted that involves a process of finding out the real and perceived threats to the security of the facility and people. The security design consultant finds out what needs to be protected, what are the threats and vulnerabilities, what are the implications if they were damaged or lost, and what is their value to the organization? All these questions need to be answered prior to designing the security system.
- Make recommendations – After the assessment is conducted, the security design consultant will come back with his/her recommendations on improving the current security system. A detailed report is disseminated to the owner and shared with architects and others involved in the upgrade project.
- Create designs/floor plans - An experienced security design consultant will provide the end user with detailed drawings that fit with the overall building package. This includes detailed floor plans that allow the owner to clearly understand the project scope and answer any questions that he/she may have regarding the new security system.
- Manages installation process/reduces errors – By working with a security design consultant, the end user will eliminate the risk of costly errors. The security design consultant will work with the entire team including contractors to ensure that the project runs smoothly.
In today’s world, security technology has become as much a part of the building as the electrical systems. Many technology devices are visible and must be integrated into the building architecture. By planning in advance, there will be fewer changes and you can show a clearer path from planning to implementation and training. The value of hiring a design consultant is high for the end user and should not be overlooked when implementing a new security technology. By having the right security design consultant on your team, the end user is getting the best advice possible to help build a security system that meets their needs. Building owners can relax knowing that their best interest is at heart to protect their building and employees for the years to come.
About the Author: Bret Emerson, RCDD/NTS, is the President of Commtech Design and has been designing and consulting technology systems since 1994. Emerson’s projects run from single building offices to campus-type installations with over 100 buildings. Bret held positions with Progressive AE, Total Systems Integration, and Burkey & Associates before creating Commtech Design. For further information on Commtech Design, please visit their website at www.commtechdesign.com.
