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Facility managers seeking practical economic decisions for their buildings are well served to reach out to all of their vendor partners, including their contract security provider, to find creative solutions. A collaborative and holistic approach is fundamental in developing a safe and positive culture. Every facility is unique and the right solutions – the ones that deliver the most value – are cultivated through open communication, an understanding of needs, and a commitment by all involved to see the bigger picture. 

How can security deliver more value for your facility?

The security team is in a unique position in that this group must fully understand your property, procedures and goals to execute on their responsibilities. The result is an effective security program, and a comprehensive perspective. This team sees the property in a different way than employees or other vendors and can utilize that point of view to your advantage.

Some best practices include:

• Expanding security tour checkpoints to include fire extinguishers, first aid kits and other important safety items that require regular monitoring but not certified inspectors.

• Looking for effective energy management through security officer monitoring. For example, a “lights off” program where the security team routinely turns off lights in unoccupied spaces as part of their patrols can result in quantifiable monetary savings.

• Sharing security patrols and other services across multiple properties.

• Adopting a safety training platform that clearly defines ownership of emergency preparedness plans.

• Implementing security and safety awareness programs that encourage safe practices by all stakeholders.

• Establishing collaboration among vendors – including security, janitorial, engineering and environmental health & safety – in an effort to look for cross-functional efficiencies.

Through collaboration and best practice sharing, facility managers can increase value and reduce the gap between goals and reality.

Consider the value you are receiving in your security program – !

  About the Author 
  Greg Falahee is Managing Director, Facilities Management, for 91��Ƶ.