Perhaps you’ve returned from some much-needed R&R time away from work only to discover that…
Unfortunately, crime is everywhere in South Africa. Employing security professionals is inevitable if you want to protect people, possessions and properties. Choosing a security company is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether you need a new company or want to replace your existing one, there are many things to consider, and due diligence must be exercised. Here are ten things you should look for.
10 things to look for when choosing a security company
1. Is it registered and compliant?
By law, all South African security companies and security employees must be registered with PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority). According to the PSIRA Act 56 of 2001, it is illegal to render a security service if not registered or compliant. The Act also stipulates that part of the verification lies with the consumer to ensure they only employ registered and compliant security companies. For electronic security installations, your provider should at least be registered with SAIDSA (South African Intruder Detection Services Association), which sets minimum quality and installation standards.
2. What services does it offer?
Another key question to ask prospective companies is what security services they can offer you. They should offer a range of services that meet your unique security requirements. If you are looking for an integrated security solution with access control, guarding services, alarm systems, CCTV etc. but they only offer one or a handful of these services, then you may need to find a company that offers a more comprehensive custom solution.
3. What areas does it service?
Most security services service specific areas so that they can maintain a high level of focus. Find out if the company is able to offer you their best in your area.
4. What training, qualifications and skills does it have?
Finding out about the training, qualifications and skills that a security company’s employees have attained is vital. You want to be sure that the security personnel you hire can perform their duties as expected.
5. What experience does it have?
It’s not only about the training, qualifications and skills they have attained. How much experience do they have in exercising their knowledge and skills? In the security industry, experience is everything.
6. Is there a commitment to staff and clients?
A good security company is committed to treating its human resources well and providing ongoing training opportunities to ensure knowledge and skills are kept up to date. It is also committed to providing clients with the best – excellent customer service, quick responsiveness, quality equipment and fair pricing.
7. What is the company’s reputation?
It is a good idea to find out how long the company has been operating and what its track record is like. If it has a reputation for providing superior security services over a lengthy period of time then you are more likely to trust it to perform duties successfully. Make sure you read reviews and testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction.
8. What brands and technology does it work with?
A great security company will work with top brands and products and the latest technology to provide clients with the best security solutions. A company that uses products that aren’t tried and tested or outdated technology is likely to result in issues down the line.
9. How much do security services cost?
Cost is always a key consideration. How does the company’s security services fare against other companies? Ensure your expectations are made clear so that you receive accurate quotes. Look beyond price to make sure you are getting value for money. There are many fly-by-night companies that offer very low rates, but hiring them is illegal. Therefore, it is vital that due diligence is done to ensure the provider is compliant, registered and trained.
10. Are contract terms fair?
Look out for contract terms that seem unreasonable. A good company should be able (and willing) to customise contract terms to meet your specific security requirements. Contracts should be clear (with no hidden terms or surprise costs) and somewhat flexible so that any necessary adjustments can be easily made.
Perhaps the security company that you are looking for is SysControl Secure. Take a look at the wide range of services we offer and request a custom quotation from us today.
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