Technology has been a boon for the security industry. It has allowed systems to become more sophisticated, more intelligent, and more capable in protecting building occupants and visitors.
Logically, one would think that adding more technology to every aspect of a business will lead to more efficiencies; however, neglecting the human factor can be a costly mistake, says Boon Edam managing director, Michael Fisher.
“There’s no doubt technology has been a wonderful thing for the entrance security industry,” he says. “We can stop serious threats more effectively than ever before. But what’s equally important, particularly in government and high security applications, is the knowledge of a local and immediately accessible expert who understands the nuances of a project and empathises with what the client is trying to achieve. And for that, you need to speak to an experienced and reputable person.”
“Another aspect where technology and automation can get in the way is with automated telephone responses and multiple-choice phone mazes, which are simply not acceptable for busy people, particularly those with a security breach. Efficient and productive after-sales service is absolutely non-negotiable in the business of security and the protection of physical assets.”
“It’s especially important for projects where strict budgets and deadlines must be adhered to, which is often the case with major government infrastructure projects. Fast turnaround times, local presence, and a human touch can make the difference that keeps a project running on-time and on-budget.”
One-stop-shop for entrance security
Boon Edam Australia is the local branch of the Netherlands-based global company Royal Boon Edam, which operates in more than 27 countries, and is this year celebrating 150 years of entrance security experience and leadership.
It established a local branch in Australia to combine this global experience with local knowledge and support to form a one-stop-shop for entrance security systems, including speed gates, high security portals, and revolving doors. The result means that architects, builders, and specifiers don’t need to seek separate suppliers on a project, or for ongoing maintenance.
“Ongoing preventative maintenance may not be top of mind in the early stages of a project, however, having the one company service the burglar resistant revolving door at the front of the facility, all the speed gates throughout, and the high security portals protecting high value areas within the building, can create ongoing cost and time efficiencies,” said Fisher.
“Having a single supplier for multiple entrance types – including their service – saves downtime, and allows for the reallocation of resources to other important areas.”
Fixed price maintenance agreements
Preventative maintenance agreements help keep entrance security systems operating to optimum levels of safety and efficiency, but it’s also an area of frustration for many building and facility managers.
“We hear stories about companies that have been charged a reasonable price for the initial service, but each subsequent service becomes a little more expensive, until you look back a couple of years later and it’s a major difference,” says Fisher.
To provide an additional layer of consistency and peace of mind, Boon Edam Australia offers fixed price maintenance agreements to its valued clients, so that every service will be the same price, for the first ten years after purchase.
“Boon Edam Australia’s focus has always been on taking customer service to levels previously unseen in the Australasian market, and these fixed price agreements are another way we can give customers peace of mind,” said Fisher.
