The growing importance of the security specifier
Security specifiers have spent years providing quality, independent advice to customers around their security requirements. However,increasing security threats and the influx of new technologies has brought greater prominence to this stakeholder group over the past few years.In this articleDaniel Wan,Channel Marketing Leader UK at Honeywell SecurityGroupassesses why security specifiers are so crucial when it comes to designing and installing a security solution.
It is beyond doubt that the security industry has undergone a huge shake-up in recent times. The changesbrought by ongoing technological advances, the growth of connected devices and the continuallyevolving nature of security threats has impacted every facet of the industry and has forced all parties within it to adapt and adjust.It has affected manufacturers in the range of solutions that the market demands, installers in the technical, business and sales competencies needed to deploy, support and sell security systems, and end users who are grappling with more powerful, but in some cases more complicated technology.
Against this backdrop, the role of the security specifier has never been more important. For many years, independent security specifiers have helped customers navigate the complexities inherent in choosing a security system. With new technology pervading the industry so frequently, keeping up to date and understanding the way in which these technologies can be implemented to best suit customers’ security needs can be a challenge.
One trend that highlights the increasing complexities that customers have to navigate is the shift from analogue to IP, a shift that has made the selection and design of security solutions much more difficult for customers. As more security systems run over IP networks, and the cloud and mobile devices play a greater role in the security ecosystem, the need to understand new technologies and the benefits they offer is increasing. In response to this trend, security specifiers have become more immersed in IT systems, have honed their technical expertise and can advise on the latest technologies saving customers’ time and energy researching new products and trends.
Unlike manufacturers, or installers who are typically loyal to one, or a smaller number of vendors, security specifiers are vendor agnostic, focused on providing a set of impartial recommendations based on a client’s specific needs. Traditionally, security specifiers support risk managers in drawing up a tender list and procuring the right product at the most competitive price ensuring customers are getting the solution that is right for them.
To stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest technologies available and how they can combat new security threats, security specifiers continuously take part in training sessions and achieve various certifications. Often these sessions touch upon regulations and standards that govern the installation, specification and operation of security solutions. By attending these exclusive training sessions, specifiers provide customers with vital insider knowledge in delivering effective, easy-to-manage and future-proof security solutions.
One of the pitfalls of installing a new security system is the potential costs. With technological advances in the industry, particularly at the higher end of the market, systems can represent a multi-million pound investment andone bad decision can prove costly. Customers must bear in mind not only the cost of hardware and installation but also day-to-day running costs. Working closely with a security specifier who understands how to accurately budget for an integrated security solution can ensure that there are no nasty surprises at the end of the installation.
In summary, as the industry continues to shift and adapt to new technologies and new security threats, end-users will come to expect more from their security system and those who design and install it. With many regulations and standards to be navigated, it is vital customers seek professional help when considering a security solution. Security specifiers, with their years of experience in the industry, regular training and strong knowledge of manufacturers’ products and solutions, are well placed to provide the support that is needed. Their understanding of the growing security threats and the technology trendsmean specifiers are becoming vital to the design, implementation and installation of security systems for all organisations, irrelevant of size and location.