Security is important business. Enterprises recognize how essential it is to adequately safeguard their assets, data, people and property. This means working with a security integration partner they can trust. And, as with any partnership, before entering into one, you need to know who you’re teaming up with and trust that you’ve made the right choice.
So the question is, how do you choose a security integration partner? And what questions should you be asking? What assurances should you have? As an integrated physical and electronic security provider specializing in solutions for regulated entities and facilities in key vertical markets nationwide since 2003, we at NextGen can offer some sound advice on how to choose the right integrator to meet your specific security requirements.
For starters, do your research. You want to work with an integrator/integration company with a proven track record. Are they adept and experienced in each of the key security technologies – video surveillance, intrusion detection access control, data protection, and video analytics? To ensure sound protection for people and critical assets, users need a systems integrator that can provide and design comprehensive, end-to-end, integrated solutions that meet site-specific and regulatory requirements.
To be sure they can provide the right solution at the right price for your specific needs, check that they specify products and solutions from multiple manufacturers. And, that they’ve earned training certifications from those manufacturers wherever applicable.
We at NextGen, for example, hold security systems and software certifications from Genetec, Software House, Lenel, Microsoft, Senstar, Axis and other technology partners. And, our management team and staff hold the following security certifications: ASIS Certified Protection Professional® (CPP), ASIS Certified Physical Security Professional® (PSP), NICET Level II Certification in Fire Alarm Systems, and Chemical-terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI) & Transportation Worker Identification Credential™ (TWIC™).
It’s always a good idea to ask potential integration partners if they have worked in your particular field or industry. Different sectors often have vastly different security vulnerabilities and needs, and working with a partner who is already familiar with your pain points is beneficial.
You’ll also want to confirm that the integrator has the bandwidth to dedicate the time needed to not only assess your security needs and implement the appropriate systems, but also that they’ll be available to you after the install. Ideally, you should have a dedicated Project Manager to work with, and one that is there to service and support you moving forward. Security needs change and technologies evolve – you’ll want the peace of mind that your integration partner is committed to your satisfaction on a long-term basis.
As a trusted security integration partner, NextGen believes in delivering full-service and complete end-to-end solutions. Our scope of services is comprehensive, and includes: Security Design & Architecture; System Consultation & Surveys; Custom Fabrication; Professional Civil and Electrical Engineering; Project Management; Network Design and Integration; System Commissioning; End-User Training; Technical Support & Field Services, and CAD & BIM Services.
These capabilities and our commitment to customer safety and satisfaction have made us the security integration partner of choice for countless clients across many industry sectors. Call on us to learn how we can meet your specific security needs and challenges.