When seeking a security partner, there are a number of things to look for but a high degree of transparency in both their work and reporting should be near the top of the list.

There are obvious reasons why transparency and accurate reporting are vital; you want to know that your security partner has your company’s best interests at heart, is charging a reasonable price, and is reliably meeting KPIs. But excellence in security today goes beyond this.

When looking to advise on monitoring solutions, installers will want to recommend a cost-effective and efficient solution. So, what should organisations and installers look for in their security monitoring provision?

The benefit of accessible and transparent reporting

 Leading manned guarding solutions today should have an accessible and intuitive customer portal through which clients can access relevant information about the services provided. Such portals are less common for remote monitoring solutions, but we believe that they should be one of the priorities of any provider.

These portals allow customers to access a host of information about the service in a single place. They make it easy for the client to get an overview of their premises and provision. The portals should be accessible on multiple devices, making access to information easier and faster. They will often allow clients to download their own reports rather than request them from the provider. This can streamline processes and improve customer service.

What to look for in a security portal

There are a number of elements that clients can hope for in a well-designed, well-performing security portal.

1.  User friendly – Possibly the most important feature of a security portal is that it is user-friendly and easy to access. If the portal is not clear to use or certain features are not easily accessible, the client won’t use it. It should also be accessible on multiple devices including smartphones.
2. Real-time data – Security today is data-driven. Portals are a place to collect and interpret that data. Elements such as site statuses and site use statistics can all be stored in one place and these should be regularly updated with real-time data to guide accurate decision-making.
3. Current statuses – Alongside real-time data, the portal should show the current status of any onsite tech such as alarms and sensors. This can hugely simplify the process of checking in on what needs to be done. Currently, a faulty alarm or camera may trigger an email to all relevant people. If it is repaired or flicking on- and offline, this can result in multiple emails being sent. An online portal will immediately show the current status of the device, saving you from hunting through a series of emails.
4. All the paperwork in one place – One of the biggest advantages of a security portal by far is keeping all relevant details in one place. Reports can be easily downloaded without having to send a request to the security partner. Invoices are collated in one place, and new equipment can be ordered with forms accessed through the portal.

When searching for a security provider, remember to look past the security itself. Communication and day-to-day planning have a huge impact on how well a solution will work for you.