TIP Blog

How often should a company evaluate and update its security procedures, and to what extent?

While most companies undergo an annual review of their insurance plan or health care plan, review of security plans often go overlooked. Unfortunately, security planning and assessment review is often a reactionary practice, taking place only after a security breach or issue has taken place.

Like all other important business evaluation decisions, security evaluations and subsequent updates need to occur annually to ensure that a company’s investment, employees and patrons are properly safeguarded. Here’s why:

1. To Ensure Lawfulness and Compliance

State and local laws outline fire and safety codes and regulations that companies must abide. Noncompliance is costly and dangerous. In fact, companies who do not adhere to relevant laws can be slapped with pricey fines.

Furthermore, non-compliance can be much more costly than upfront costs of process and equipment updates.

Laws are created at both the state and municipal level so to maintain compliance, your company will need to adhere to whichever governing body has the strictest set of regulations.

Furthermore, codes and regulations are subject to change. Reevaluating your security systems each year helps guarantee that you’re aware of any updates made by governing bodies.

Helpful Tip: If your company has multiple locations, you’ll need to be aware of security and safety laws for each state and municipality.

2. To Evaluate Technology Advancements

Available technology solutions are constantly evolving, as are a company’s security needs. New technology advancements allow for more efficient processes and better equipped businesses to safeguard its property.

That said, during a yearly evaluation of safety processes and procedures, companies should compare existing security technology against newer options.

Technology systems such as IP video and access control can better allow owners and managers to keep an eye on day-to-day activities of the company—whether they’re in the office or out of the country.

3. To Future-Proof for Budgeting

If you don’t plan for future security wants and needs, you’ll never find room in the budget for them. That said, it’s good to explore different security ideas and configurations well ahead of implementation needs.

The best way to do this is by seeking an evaluation and quote from a reputable security partner. Best vendors provide such consultations free of charge. Professional consultation will help your company realize what in security technology is new, what is changing and provides a fresh approach to tired processes.

Helpful Tip: To future-proof for budgeting, make sure your company includes security procedure evaluation into its yearly planning process.