The theft of fixed assets is a complex security challenge that most business owners have to deal with almost every day. From computers in schools to medical devices in hospitals to inventory in warehouses, there’s a need to come up with physical, technical, and logistical anti-theft measures to combat the theft of expensive business items.
A proper risk assessment helps you come up with a combination of mitigation measures and systems that your organization should implement to protect fixed assets. Theft, whether petty or large scale can bring massive losses to your business.
Below are 8 Ways to Protect Your Fixed Assets from Theft
- Video Surveillance
Video surveillance is usually the first line of anti-theft solutions with a wide range of commercial and industrial applications including material yards, construction sites, warehouses, factories, and business premises. This technique makes deterrence possible by visualizing statements to potential thieves that someone is watching them.
The cost of a video surveillance system will depend on several factors including the type and number of cameras needed. Whatever the cost, installing video surveillance cameras on your home or business premise can be a major deterrent to anyone stealing your property.
- GPS Tracking
This is another great way of protecting your fixed assets. GPS tracking can help you monitor and protect your business and personal property from potential thieves. It is a sophisticated method that uses advanced tracking technologies to keep you in the loop about your fixed assets. This solution also can offer accurate position updates, detailed reports, effective results, and many more.
- Motion Detectors and Alarm Systems
Motion detection and alarm systems are commonly used in homes, schools, hospitals, and business premises. They are part of a comprehensive commercial security package that entails video surveillance and are perfect for thwarting burglary attempts.
When a person tries to intrude, the system produces flashing lights or loud and extensive warning sounds. This can make intruders abandon their mission and run away for fear of being caught.
- Physical Access Control Systems (ACS)
Physical access control systems are ideal perfect for fixed asset security because they can be integrated with digital identity management system mechanisms to only allow authorized persons into specific rooms or areas within a building. These systems can also connect to centralized databases through the internet or Local Area Networks. With ACS, a company can prevent burglary since only authorized personnel can enter specific areas.
- Portable-Key ACS
A portable-key ACS is the use of a digital identification card to allow entry. It is a wallet-sized card that has a prerecorded code. A user swipes or slides it into a card reader slot to process their security credentials. This can be used to deny unauthorized people entry into offices, warehouses, homes, or any areas that have valuables. Although the installation cost may be high, the technology can go a long way in protecting your fixed assets.
- Security Lighting
Poor lighting and darkness are major enablers of intrusion and theft of fixed assets. But security lights can scare aware intruders from getting into a protected site or facility. They can also make the work of patrolling guards at night much easier. Proper illumination of any space or compound for maximum security depends on many factors such as
- Biometrics ACS
Biometric access control systems permit or deny entry based on a person’s unique physical or biological features. Advanced versions of this technology can cost up to $10,000 per door. Examples include hand geometry readers and fingerprint scanners. When you install these security systems on your business premise, it means that thieves will have a hard time accessing whatever they want to steal.
- Physical Security
You should also put in place physical security measures that will make it hard for would-be thieves to gain entry into your home or business premise. Such measures can complement other security systems. This may include entrances, gates, and barriers. A security get will bar unauthorized persons and vehicles to enter restricted areas. Such entrances should always be manned by a security guard.
Your business is a big investment. You need to take appropriate security measures to minimize or prevent fixed assets from being stolen. Some of the measures include installing video surveillance, physical control access systems, security lighting, and physical security among others.
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