Having proper security for your facility is essential. Any gaps can be exploited and have serious negative consequences. The right security solutions provider and integrator as a partner can help you get the comprehensive security solution your facility needs to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Here are a few steps to choosing the right security systems integrator:

1. Think about your security needs and goals
2. Prioritize objectives
3. Make a list of potential providers
4. Narrow down the options
5. Interview potential security partners
6. Select the right security systems integrator for you

1. Think About Your Security Needs and Goals

There is a reason that you are starting the search for a security solutions provider. Having some clarification on the following things will be helpful in finding the right security systems integrator for you:

• Your pain points
• Your core security needs
• Your unique security challenges
• Your goals for securing your facility
• Your security budget and financial limits

This will help you focus your search on the right partners that have experience in your industry and with addressing your needs. You don’t necessarily need to know everything or identify all areas of improvement; that’s something the security solutions company can help you define during the process.

But, it is still a good idea to be able to share your needs and goals with prospective security partners so they can better customize the approach, the building vulnerability assessment, and the mix of security products that will build the security solution to sufficiently address them.

2. Prioritize Objectives

Security needs and goals will vary from facility to facility. Within those needs and goals, some may have a higher priority than others. Taking some time to prioritize the objectives for your facility can be helpful in organizing your facility’s needs, further defining goals, and is useful information for any security solutions provider you work with.

An experienced security solutions partner can help you with details and adjustments as needed as you get further into the process. They can also help identify and provide what you need for managing and maintaining security systems you have and those you will want to implement.

3. Make a List of Potential Providers

Start your research to make a list of potential security providers and integrators to consider based on:

• Your industry
• Type of facility
• Security needs

You can ask people you know in the industry for suggestions or recommendations for companies they have used. Additionally, an internet search can help you identify good options for further consideration.

4. Narrow Down the Options

Once you have a list of potential security systems integrators, the next step is to do some research and outreach to narrow down the options. Based on information on their company’s website and other sources, you can rule out and narrow down your list to companies that could be a good fit for your needs.

Researching & Vetting Potential Security Systems Integrators

Some things to consider and look for can include:

• Expertise
• Experience
• Certifications
• Standards
• Compliance
• Vendor or manufacturer partners
• End-to-end support
• Case studies
• Testimonials
• References

5. Interview Potential Security Partners

You can also set up appointments with the top few potential partners to ask questions and get a feel for what it might be like to work with them. In addition to getting specific information you need and getting more details on experience, track record, services, and more, you can also get a sense about culture fit and collaboration style.

Questions to Ask a Potential Security Systems Integrator

The following questions can be a good place to start:

• Do they have experience in the industry?
• How long have they been in business?
• Do they have the right certifications?
• Do they have proven experience with similar facilities and covering similar security needs?
• What can they provide?
• What is their project management and communication process like?
• Do they ask thoughtful questions about your operations and goals?
• Do they offer support or service plans for after installation?
• What are their support response times like?
• Do they seem like a good fit when you talk to them or meet them?

Evaluate Integrators on Comprehensive Service and Support

Answering these questions can help you determine which security systems integrator would be a good partner for you for the initial installation and ongoing maintenance and support post-installation, whether you need to address security for a single location or security for multi-site businesses.

Peace of mind, convenience, proactive maintenance, and more are all benefits of service plans for your security systems. This is why considering the kind of support and service that is available post-installation is a good idea as you’re evaluating the right security systems integrator.

6. Select the Right Security Systems Integrator for You

After you’ve narrowed down the list and gotten the information you need, the final step to choosing the right security systems integrator is to review everything, including proposals, and select the one that best suits your security needs. Consider:

• Price
• Overall value
• Strategic partnership potential
• Long-term support

You should already have an idea of what to expect from talking with or meeting with potential providers. Should you have any remaining questions or require clarification on anything, a good potential partner will be open to answering them and transparent in their responses. Once you’ve made your selection, it’s just a matter of finalizing details and implementing the right mix of security products and solutions to meet your facility’s needs.

Upgrade Your Security With NEPPS

There are many benefits of using a full-service security systems integrator, and these are a few steps to choosing the right security systems integrator for you. Covering these basics can help you find the right security partner for your needs. Every facility’s needs will vary, and it’s important to have someone on your side who can help. Contact NEPPS at 1-800-736-1456 to get started!