Access Control Doctor: Branch out now

27 Dec 08

Q: What's happening to the security industry in this slowdown?

A: Far from being isolated from the effects of a recession, the security industry is feeling the slowdown as much as the other sectors. Installation projects are being postponed or simply cancelled, system users are holding back payments and business credit facilities are being squeezed. The overall demand for the installation of security equipment is reducing. Just look at the retail and banking sectors. In future, this reduction in demand may be mitigated, to a certain extent, by an increase in public expenditure designed to kick-start the construction industry and wider economy. A reduction in prosperity will invariably lead to an increase in crime and increase in the demand for security systems. What we know for sure is that demand is lower than normal and it's a hostile environment for all.

Q: Are all sectors of the security industry being affected equally?

A: No. I'm not saying this because of a vested interest (I do have one but please bear with me) but access control is currently unique, in that, the demand is still growing. This has been widely reported by national distributors and regional installers. The following factors play a part.

New buildings: Walk into any commercial building and it will, more than likely, have an intruder and fire alarm system. There is also likely to be an intercom and CCTV. There may not be an electronic access control system, however. Access control has not permeated the market as much, so the demand for it is less affected by the reduction in construction.

Active security: Companies may be more inclined to spend money on systems that will actively prevent crime rather than systems that are useful when crime has already happened. Better to spend on stopping criminals accessing your premises than record footage of them nicking stuff. Refurbishment: The volume of premises refurbished in a recession goes up, not down. This is due to the downsizing and relocating of businesses. Where you might take a CCTV system with you, it is unlikely you would rip an access control system off the walls. It is part of the fibre of the building and more likely to be part of the refurbishment of the destination premises.

Overheads: All businesses are now looking carefully at their overheads. Sometimes access control systems, and to a lesser extent, other security systems, are installed in lieu of security staff. A guard controlling a barrier can be replaced by hands free access control with no ongoing costs.

Q: How can access control help my installation business?

A: Access control tends to be an add-on, something to diversify into. A real killer for an installation company can be paying for engineers when there is not enough work. While times are tough and work is scarce there is no better opportunity to branch out from the core business. Make the most of each customer relationship and keep your engineers installing equipment.

It may well be that you find more business in this sector than in others.

Get the latest stories first with info4security's newsletters: Click to signup

Post and bookmark this story at the following sites:

What is this?

del.icio.us	Digg	Reddit	Google	Newsvine