Exact Security

Premium Security – A Stronger Case Than Ever

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 02:37:51 +0000

In 2019 we prepared a whitepaper – The Case For Premium Security – outlining the arguments for engaging quality security.

It is a strong case, made even stronger by recent events. Well, the Victorian COVID-19 quarantine experience, is no greater illustration of the maxim:

The true cost of security is the cost of security failure!

There are many contributing factors to the Victorian situation and we’ll find out more detail when inquiry report will be delivered in early November.

But there is one irrefutable fact – if you want a high standard from your security team, you have to lead the way.

Here some steps you can take to guard yourself against security failure:

Look for the provider that can deliver the security outcomes you need. Clearly your budget is an important consideration but remember to asses the cost, risk and consequence of failure and factor it into your budgetary calculations. Basically refuse to be part of the “race to the bottom” – the “bottom” is not a place you want to be.
Treat your relationship with the provider as a partnership. An excellent provider will always be looking for ways they can deliver better solutions, the success of your business will be on their minds.
Look closely into how your provider runs their business, how they deliver their solutions to their clients. Look at things like:
- how they select their operatives,
- their operative training & induction programs,
- reporting protocols,
- WHS Systems,
- their programs for quality or business imrpovement,
Check their references.

To find out more about WHY looking for a Premium Security Solution is important you can download our whitepaper: The Case For Premium Security

If you would to discuss this and how it affects your security needs, we are only a phone call or email away: Contact Exact Security

The post Premium Security – A Stronger Case Than Ever appeared first on Exact Security.

5 Criteria For Your COVID-19 Safe Hygeine Marshalls.

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 01:34:25 +0000

Our industry is no stranger to the challenges of keeping our customers safe – at some point in time, every venue has confronted situations where clients are potentially endangered at some point in their history

It is part of the mix for hospitality – sometimes things can get “a little off-track”.

Now, add COVID-19 to that mix and “a little off-track” can have very serious implications for the venue, its clients and the wider community.

Having the COVID-19 Safety Plan is a good start. But it is not enough! To execute the plan you need the right people with the right skills and training.

If you have that you’re well on the way to keeping your venue safe AND also delivering great customer service outcomes AND resolving any conflict rising from the anxiety we are all experiencing.

Fortunately, as an industry we have both the knowledge and the experience to meet the challenges we face.

COVID Safe Hygiene Marshalls – Who Can Best Fill The Role?

It may look like an easy role – but a lot rides on it AND if something does go wrong it can go wrong in a big way.

So, your attention in filling the COVID Marshall role is warranted. We believe the ideal Marshalls are people who:

Have had training in and retain full knowledge of the compliance requirements, how they impact your venue and each sector within your venue.
Are adept and experienced in dealing with difficult customers and situations.
Are able to take decisive action when needed.
Understand and apply the principles of customer service and the customer service ethic that operates in your venue.
You are satisfied can represent your business, your brand.

It is important for everyone that this role is taken very seriously – so much is at stake.

Whether you’re using your own team or outsourcing, make sure your COVID Marshalls are able to deliver high levels of safety compliance, security and customer service.

Exact’s experience and expertise in clubs, pubs and licensed venues is extensive. The team at Exact completely understands that every venue has its own specific needs and challenges.

For an open and honest assessment and discussion of your needs, Exact is the team to have on your side.

Remember there are no obligations to having a chat! Contact Us Today!

The post 5 Criteria For Your COVID-19 Safe Hygeine Marshalls. appeared first on Exact Security.

Minimising Risks During Temporary Closures

admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 22:15:01 +0000

It is heartbreaking to see the closure of venues that are central to the lifestyle of our society and that also are often the lifeblood of local communities.

But there is no denying the need for this action. We are acutely aware of the impact on the venues, their staff and their communities.

The logistics fo closing dopwn for extended periods requires careful consideration. Our intention was deliver this list of considerations to our clients.

But our extensive history and deep emotional connection with the industry demands that we share this everyone. We feel a responsibility to identify the risks associated with closure … and to share them hoping they will assist in some small way.

Basically we anticipate this uncertain time for the community will elevate risks and may lead to an increase in crime.

The risks we have identified include:

1. The immediate security and/or transfer ofthe venue’s onsite cash assets. Include but not limited to:
  - Safes & vaults,
  - ATMs,
  - Cash Redemption Terminals,
  - TAB & Keno Easybet Terminals,
  - Gaming Machines,
  - Packaged & bulk liquor and food.
2. The immediate operational readiness of your venue’s electronic security infrastructur. Including but not limited to:
  - Alarms (including back to base support),
  - Closed Circuit Television Systems,
  - Perimeter Security,
  - Safe technology.
3. The Vulnerability of your venue’s facilities and physical assets. Including but not limited to:
  - Buildings,
  - Outdoor facilities – e.g. sporting areas, dining & recreation areas, outdoor gaming, maintenance facilities.
For our clients we remain on 24/7 standby, ready to stand shoulder to shoulder through this difficult period.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

The post Minimising Risks During Temporary Closures appeared first on Exact Security.

Making It Difficult For Shoplifters

admin — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:19:47 +0000

Keep coming back to the Exact Security blog for the latest from the security and related industries.

Shoplifters cost retailers billions of dollars every year. Here are some tips that can help minimise the risk of light fingers lifting your valuable goods. Most of these tips are simple and affordable – the more barriers you can place between the thieves and your products, the lesser the risk. A couple of these tips will not only reduce the risk of shoplifting but they are also likely to improve your saloes conversions.

Engaging Your Customers – ALL Your Customers.

Customer engagement is often often credited as a generator of sales. Customers like to feel they have the attention of staff. Shoplifters, however, prefer inattention, they like to fly under the radar. For shoplifters, staff attention is a risk. So by engaging with your customers you are enhancing the sales process while seriously deterring shoplifters.

Alert Staff.

Security cameras are great but really they are more about capturing evidence. When it comes to prevention there is nothing better than alert staff. Staff will see a lot more, have a feel for the behaviour of customers, spot behaviour that is suspicious and be able to take steps – like paying even more attention to someone acting suspiciouly – to prevent a shoplifter exercising their itchy fingers.

Being Well-Staffed.

Having alert staff is great butu it won’t help much if there are not enough staff on the floor. In fact not having enough staff can encourage shoplifting by some who would not normally steal – waiting for service, holding a product, seeing that staff are fully occupied and unlikely to be able to deal with you soon, an easy exit, the temptation to walk might be too great for some normally honest folk.

Light Things Up.

Lighting is the enemy of shoplifters – they love the dark. So, make sure you don’t have dark spaces on your retail floor. Security cameras love the light – if ypou need to produce footage for evidence, proper lighting will help ensure you get a clear picture.

Simple Signs.

Simple signs and warnings can be great deterrents. A few words on a sign can let shoplifters know they will be taking a great risk by targeting your store. There are some basic themes that will cause shoplifters to think twice. Things like:

All bags will be checked as you leave this shop.
This property is monitored by security cameras.
Anyone caught shoplifting will be handed over to police.

Stronger Protections For Selected Products.

Some items are a very desirable target for shoplifters – either because of their value or because they are easy to “lift”, or both. Make these items difficult to reach, placing an extra barrier in front of these items is a good loss prevention strategy. Some extra barriers could be:

having locked displays for these items,
making these items only available at the sales counter,
having the items chained to a counter, maybe with alarms if the item is detached.

Controlling Access.

A good access control system will ensure you know all about the “comings and goings”on your property. You can restrict access to certain areas or at selected times, and you can identify when access permissions or protocols are breached an by whom. Given that, unfortantely, pilfering by staff accounts for a significant percentage of stock losses, access control can be a vital component of your loss protection strategy.

Electronic Barriers / Deterrents.

Advances in technology means there are now all sorts fo electronic and digital barriers and deterrents you can place between the shoplifter and your products. Some examples are:

alarms that sound when unprocessed goods are taken through the shop exit,
tag\s that damage goods unless they are removed by the right process or tool,
cameras that keep an eye on your property and can follow suspiciously behaving characters.

Specialised Security Personnel.

For those looking for a “five-finger discount” seeing a security guard watching over your shop will often mean they will look for easier pickings somewhere else. Security operatives are a great deterrent but they are also trained to identify questionable behaviour. Having a security operative stationed in your shop allows your staff to focus on sales (not that they should ever turn alertness off!). And really good security personnel will enhance the role as guardian with great customer service skills. Exact Security is the right port of call for the protection of your retail venue – whether it is a single shop or a large centre.

Really good security operatives are our specialty. Yes, those operatives who are both highly skilled security professionals and who understand and deliver great custgomer service. As well, we can deliver exceptional surveillance camera solutions and provide you with comprehensive risk assessments to assist in your loss prevention planning.

To start te conversation about security in your retail precinct reach out to the Exact Security team.

The post Making It Difficult For Shoplifters appeared first on Exact Security.

What Are The Qualities You Need In Your Security Operatives

admin — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:11:36 +0000

Security operatives are often “front & centre” in your business – there are a range of skills and qualities needed to fulfil that responsibility.

Your security personnel are often in a position of high leverage for your business or venue. They are right there at critical interactions with your clients and customers – at the point of entry, at the point of departure and at points of conflict. How each of these is handled impacts on how your business is perceived.

Given this, your security team needs to have far more capability than the “muscle” or “brute force” that once defined the role. Those days have long gone. Nowadays, even standard security operatives should have a much broader range of skills and attributes.

Strength & Fitness.

This goes without saying. There is always the possibility that a security operative will need to take action that requires either strength of fitness … or both. While modern security protocols often demand negotiation (or “de-escalation”) skills, there remains a requirement to be physically capable.

Communication Skills.

Every aspect of the security role calls upon the operatives’ communication abilities. Welcoming customers, preventing entry for some people, asking people to leave, demanding they leave, intervening in a drunken brawl, writing reports, calling for back-up, building rapport with other staff, giving direction – all involve the security operative to communicate clearly and efficiently. Today, communication is as essential to the role as physical capability … maybe even more essential.

Alertness.

The security operative needs to be ready to handle any situation that may arise. Of course this means having the right equipment and physical capability but it also often means being able to anticipate issues and take preventative measures before they escalate into a bigger problem.

Clear Thinking.

Every situation and every potential situation requires a decision from your security operative – your business needs those decisions to be “good calls”. The process of scanning, analysing, assessing and deciding action is happening continuously for the on-duty operative – and that process requires clarity and logic.

Empathy & Respect.

There is a crucial issue faced by every security operative at some point – how much strength or force needs to be exerted in a physical confrontation. When approaching a situation needing physical resolution, having empathy and respect for others can be very helpful in increasing the likelihood that everyone – guard, offender, innocent onlookers – can emerge from the situation without injury.

Understanding Teamwork.

While security operatives are generally seen either alone or with a partner, they are often part of a much bigger team – especially in larger venues. It is vital for everyone that each individual understands how the team works and their role in bringing success to the team … and therefore the venue.

Security operatives today are a far cry from how they were once seen. Understanding their value – or potential value – to your business is vital to getting the most from your investment in security. In fact, your investment in security should be achieving returns for you – to find out how see our How Your Security Operation Can Add To Your Bottom Line – 5 Principles To Apply.

The post What Are The Qualities You Need In Your Security Operatives appeared first on Exact Security.

What is a concierge security operative?

admin — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 05:00:47 +0000

Concierge security operatives blend safety assurance with customer service expertise to give premise managers and patrons a port of call for all issues.

What is a concierge security operative?

They are a familiar and friendly face in residential and commercial buildings across Australia – security personnel that combine their role with customer service and wider premises management abiities. Without these individuals the safety of building patrons could be compromised and guests would lose an immediate port-of-call for assistance and pressing queries. Blending security and services duties offers the best of both world in a concierge security operative position.

What are the responsibiltiies of a concierge security operative?

Security personnel often have a limited range of tasks to perform in aiding the day-to-day operations of commercial and residential premises. This has come from an outdated notion that all security operatives offer is muscle in case of emergency – but this simply isn’t the case.

Concierge security operatives blend safety assurance with customer service, offering guests peace of mind and an outlet for questions. These individuals are responsible for a range of tasks including:

Providing customer services to help fulfill building users’ requests.
Performing adminstrative duties such as logging entrances and exits from the premises and monitoring building maintenance teams, such as cleaners.
Using professionally developed interpersonal skills to keep residents informed about developments and to reduce the risk of security threats from arising.

Concierge security operatives offer security and customer services in reception spaces of commercial and residential buildings.

Depending on the facility, concierge security operatives can also offer other ad-hoc services such as chauffeuring, crowd control and premises management. These abilities are designed to address the idea of security services as an inconvenient expense, and to replace it with concierge security operatives as vital members of your operations. On top of these customer service functions, concierge security operatives also provide the services you’d expect from security personnel, such as:

Defusing viol
ent or offensive situations that may develop in the facility.
Handling and safely removing dangerous individuals from the building to ensure the safety of guests or residents are not compromised.
Filing incident reports and liaising with police following on-premises altercations.

What are the benefits of employing a concierge security operative?

Commercial enterprises and residential properties often see physical security measures as a necessity, rather than an opportunity to add value to operations. Concierge security operatives represent an astute approach to security and customer service management – combining the two roles into one highly trained operatives means:

Businesses get the best of both worlds. They can rest assured that their patrons are protected from all manner of security threats while also receiving the friendly guidance and personable manner of an expert in people management.
Building administration and processes can be more easily managed by personnel on the ground and exposed to the day-to-day of operations. This ensures maintenance and guest record keeping is accurate and up-to-date.
Facility operators get more value for money. An individual that can expertly fulfil two roles at the same time ultimately adds less stress to operational expenses.

Concierge security operatives combine security and administrative duties.

Convinced by the positives that come with employing a concierge security operative?

Your next thought may be about how to go about hiring one – that’s where security service providers come in. Hiring a security candidate works best if they have been trained by experts in the industry to deliver on security measures and customer services. Working with a security services business such as Exact Security means:

Your property receives a concierge security operative that best suits your operations and requirements – security service providers only pair your business with security personnel who fit your practical and brand requirements.
The individual managing your building security has experience in numerous security and customer service situations and is trained to respond appropriately.
Business operators can avail themselves of other security measures to complement their concierge security operative should they want to extend their premises’ protection.

Apartments and commercial buildings don’t just work with Exact Security – they partner with us.

This is Exact Security’s core belief – in our team’s experience, security operatives can drive positive change in how a building is run and is viewed by guests. This difference sets us apart in the security services industry and has led to us working with businesses in different fields across New South Wales.

When you partner with Exact Security, you begin a rich relationship with experts in the sector committed to working out a security solution perfect for your premises. While concierge security operatives represent a sound investment in many situations, we also offer other security options, including CCTV and access control systems. To get the conversation about your building security started, reach out to the Exact Security team.

The post What is a concierge security operative? appeared first on Exact Security.

Increase BOTH Carpark Safety And VIP Customer Experience.

admin — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 04:45:03 +0000

By capturing license plates of cars entering your carpark you open the doors to better carpark security and the opportunity to ramp up your service to VIP customers.

How does your venue respond when a car enters your carpark?

Probably not at all.

Imagine the car belongs to one of your VIP customers. Should something be set in train?

Sure, you may have a designated area for your VIPs but still your customer service team won’t kick into gear until they are greeted by your reception team or your concierge … or whoever is the first contact at entry.

Now, what if your VIP drove into your carpark and your customer service team received an alert, something like:

“Be prepared, Mr Jones – VIP Member 1357 is approaching.”

Your team then kicks into gear preparing exactly the type of welcome and visit preferred by Mr Jones. Maybe he likes a polite and respectful “Good evening, Mr Jones” without too much attention or fuss. Maybe he would like his favourite drink waiting for him … whatever presses Mr Jones’buttons, has it covered in advance of him walking through your doors.

This can be done! Easily, by making use of improved technology in capturing car license plate numbers.

Integrated Infrared Illumination and White Light Filtering ensures the camera can capture readable images of license plates in the most challenging lighting conditions.

And the High Image-Rate Sensor allows for clear plate capture for cars traveling at up to 80kmph.

The high quality and sleek features that are typical of Avigilon products are seen to advantage in this camera. When it comes to installation the options for mounting provide flexibility. The vandal resistant casing and the IP66 rating for difficult climatic or weather conditions makes the camera extremely resilient in most situations.

Call or email us today for more information on the Avigilon H4 LPC Camera.

The post Increase BOTH Carpark Safety And VIP Customer Experience. appeared first on Exact Security.

Angela – protecting customers if their night out goes “off the rails”.

admin — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 04:39:57 +0000

Sydney venues are trialing a new campaign to provide greater protection for customers feeling intimidated or threatened especially by predatory behavior.

Ask for Angela is an initiative introduced by NSW Police aimed at providing greater protection for customers who feel vulnerable due to behaviour that is intimidating, threatening or predatory. Sydney venues – pubs, clubs, nightclubs etc – are the focus for this campaign which has already shown success in regional NSW and overseas. The campaign has been launched in partnership with the Australian Hotels Association (AHA).

Given that many social connections are iniitally instigated online or through mobile apps, it is not surprising that sometimes the first “face to face” connection is disappointing on some level. On some occasions “disappointment” can be much more serious and situation becomes one where a cusomer can feel vulnerable or threatened and in need of a “safe exit”.

It is precisely this situation that “Ask for Angela” seeks to address. By asking venue staff for Angela, customers are signalling they are in an undesirable situation and they need a way out. This sets in train a process for assessing the extent of risk and what action should be taken to secure the peace of mind and safety of the customer.

The following video demonstrates the type of scenario for which “Ask for Angela” may be necessary.

Ask for Angela from Exact Security on Vimeo.

Resources – posters & coasters – for Ask for Angela are available. Here are links to them:

Ask for Angela -Generic Poster

Ask for Angela -Tips For Venue Staff

Ask for Angela – Generic 90×90 Coaster Design

The post Angela – protecting customers if their night out goes “off the rails”. appeared first on Exact Security.

Video Surveillance Systems – 5 Steps To Getting Value

admin — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 07:53:38 +0000

We are all seeking value from every purchase. Here are 5 steps you can apply when thinking about your security surveillance system. The first step is recommended before deciding on any security solution.

We are all after value from every purchase. It is important to remember that best value is unlikely to be the same as lowest price.Value Diagram

Value is really the balance of 3 factors: PRICE – QUALITY – TIME.

The lowest price is only equivalent to best value when both quality and deliverty time mean nothing to you.

The holy grail might be finding the solution/product/service that is Good, Fast & Cheap … good luck on that adventure! (Take a look at the diagram.)

But it is certainly desirable and achievable to find a balance in this equation that fits your needs. When you do that will represent the BEST VALUE for you or your situation.

So, how do you get this value balance right when you’re looking at security surveillance systems. Here are 5 steps that will help:

Assess your need – undertake a risk assessment for your business.
Identify and document the outcomes your want or need from your surveillance system.
Assess and define exactly what locations need to be seen and what needs to be watched.
Define the type of monitoring required for each location.
Consider the future – how will your system be maintained and how might your needs change in the future.

1. Assess Your Need – Determine Your Risks And Threats.

Business face all sorts of risks and threats. Many can be eliminated or satisfactorily minimised by simple changes in operational systems, procedures or policies.

Wouldn’t it be great if you realised that you could attend to your vulnerabilities without a big spend on surveillance??

Anyway, the important point is that you need to know exactly what threats and risks confront your business … and what impact those threats and risks would have should they eventuate.

In other words, before deciding on your surveillance system, conduct a RISK ASSESSMENT on yhour business. This is an investment that could save you a considerable amount of time, money and effort.

2. Define Your Outcomes

Your risk assessment will have identified your vulnerabilities. It is now time to find ways and means to plug the holes. What those “ways & means” might be, you need to know whether tthey have been successful. Defining success up-front will help you balance the Price, Quality, Time equation and find the best value solution for you.

3. Specify Where & What You Want To See.

OK! You know you need a video surveillance system and you know the results you want to achieve with it.

Now it is time to get “down and dirty” with some very specific information – what locations need “eyes” on them and what do those “eyes” need to see in those locations.

You can plot the required locations on a plan of your venue. For each plot point describe, in as much detail as you can, what needs to be seen at that point. Is it general crowd behaviour, specific incidents (like opening of entry points, use of POS), detail visual information (eg facial recognition) or … whatever you need to see note it down, the more detail in your description the better value you are likely to secure.

4. Define Your Monitoring Needs.

What happens with the information from your cameras will be a big determining factor in configuring the system you need. This will partially be driven by what you’ve defined in the previous step. If you need detailed visual information it will require different supporting technology in your control room than if you need only to know that an incident has occured.

Do you need 24/7 live monitoring … or recordings from your camera(s) that can be reviewed if there has been an incident? The quantity and quality of information that needs to be stored, and how long it needs to be kept is very important to define. Storage can account for a significant proportion of your overall system cost.

5. Consider The Future.

Once installed your system will need care. Of course, warranties will sort this out for a limited period but failure to plan the “post warranty” care for your system can be a fatal flaw.

It is essential to factor ongoing system maintenance into your initial surveillance system budget.

Furthermore, understanding how your business is likely to develop, grow and change can – and should – have a big influence on your investment today. Installing a system today that is difficult to integrate into tomorrow’s needs would distort your value equation and almost certainly mean that best value becomes unattainable.

In Conclusion.

Best value comes from your planning. This may need some investment up of your resources, and you may need to engage some experts to assist with certain parts of the planning. But, if you’re considering a surveillance installation – whether new, an upgrade or an addition to what you already have – it is well worth ensuring you end up with a suitable and sustainable solution.

photo by Peter Kasprzyk from Unsplash

The post Video Surveillance Systems – 5 Steps To Getting Value appeared first on Exact Security.

What is important to hospitality venue patrons?

admin — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 07:47:51 +0000

In a Victorian survey patrons of licensed venues were asked, amongst other things, to rank venue facilities in order of importance. Some of the rankings might surprise.

When it comes to knowing what facilities are most important to your customers you generally have a pretty good idea. However, a survey of Victorian Hotel patrons showed something of surprise at the top of the list.

Patrons ranked Security as the 3rd most important facility for a venue.

This probably should not be a great surprise but it is a fact that almost remains hidden – it certainly doesn’t receive the attention it merits.

The survey was conducted by Shinewing Australia and On Tap Hospitality for AHA (Vic). Their report – Hospitality Insights: What makes lincesed hotels successful? – opens with 3 key insights, the very first one being:

“Patrons Care Most about:

1. Staff and service quality.
2. Dining experiences – especially the 35-54 age bracket.
3. Security and safety.”

This insight comes from patrons being asked to rate the importance of each aspect/facility at venues. The scores were normalised so that the most important facility gets a score of 100 and the others scored in comparison to that. The following graph shows the result.

Different groups of customers placed a high importance of different aspects of a venue’s offering. Although both Gaming and F&B rated Staff & Service Quality as MOST IMPORTANT, they had differing perspectives on what else was important to them:

F&B PATRONS place a high importance on …

Entertainment (eg live bands),
Socialising with friends & family

GAMING PATRONS place a high importance on …

Security & Safety
Amenities and ease of transport.

This high level of importance patrons hold for security has is well known at Exact Security. After all, a company offering customer focused security services should have a good understanding of what is important to customers.

Indeed we have plenty of practical experience that clearly demonstrates the potential impact of the attitude to security by venue management. In brief …

If the attitude of the venue matches the expectations of customers, it is likely the venue will be acquiring new customers. If it doesn’t match, the venue will struggle to retain existing customers.

Two venues A & B, within a 10 minute drive of each other, both have a strong gaming focus.

Venue A has recently (in the past 12 months) moved to have a much higher security profile and a visibly strong presence.

Venue B has been continuously focused on reducing security costs and this has led to a substantial reduction in their security profile.

With Venue A looking and feeling more secure, it has become considerably more attractive to gaming customers. They are capturing a number fo these customers from Venue B.

Venue A consciously adopted this position, they planned to used security as a point of difference for the very reasons outlined in this Hospitality Insights Report – you can view the entire report by clicking on the image below.

The post What is important to hospitality venue patrons? appeared first on Exact Security.