Why proper key management is vital for every security company

There's no doubt that when it comes to security companies their reputation is one of the most valuable things they have. Just take a look at the G4S Olympic scandal. While not being able to fill the terms of their contract with Locog is estimated to have cost G4S £50 million, there's no doubt that the long-term damage done to the company will cost much more. This is because potential clients are wary of dealing with a company that has promised the world and then failed to deliver. 

 

It's this same principle that makes proper key management absolutely vital for any security company that wants to project a professional image. Keys are responsible for everything from access to rooms, facilities and files, to activating equipment and vehicles. Misplace, lose, or have a key stolen and the problems will begin to mount. In the short term the damage done by the loss of sensitive information or expensive equipment may be minimised, but in the long term your reputation will suffer. When it comes to contract renewals your clients may begin to look elsewhere. 

 

Every security company knows just how important the proper management of keys is, so it's surprising how many companies are complacent enough to implement primitive key management systems. Sometimes all that is needed for someone to take out a key is a signature on a piece of paper. If signatures are illegible or the paper is destroyed or goes missing keys could end up in anybody's possession, and nobody would have an idea where they went. An electronic system that logs who took out which key and when it was returned is a safeguard against the possibility of human error, and also ensures that staff know they are accountable for the keys they use. This is made possible because everyone who has access to keys has a unique ID.

 

Another problem associated with primitive key management systems is the fact that the keys often have to be labelled since otherwise there is too much risk of them getting mixed up with other keys. This means that if they are lost or misplaced someone who finds them knows exactly what they're used for. An intelligent key management system again has a solution for this problem. The key is attached to a special electronic fob that will only fit into its own special place in a key cabinet. The key's use is labelled here and nowhere else, meaning that if it is lost there is time to change locks or increase security to prevent the worst from happening. 

 

One final major benefit of electronic key management systems is the ability to limit when keys can be accessed. This has a use in a number of circumstances - for example, you could restrict cleaning staff from accessing keys outside of certain hours. Trying to get a human to manage what keys staff has access to will all too often lead to confusion and security breaches. These breaches could end up costing you a fortune. A key management system is too affordable to risk this. 

How to outsource your learning

Benefits of tutoring for your children
Most parents simply want the best for their children and as more pressure seems to be increasing on gaining good results in SATS, entrance exams, GCSE's and other qualifications the demand for tutoring is soaring,. Before you make a decision about which path to take it's vital you do some research. The most important thing to consider is the needs and limitations of your child. It can be hard for parents to be realistic and objective when it comes to their children's shortcomings but it's vital you write a list before engaging any kind of external tutor. Here are some advice I got from my time at OCVC.

What are you trying to achieve?
Does your child need short term help with a particular subject or is there need more long term. Once you have spoken to your child and understood where they need help it will be easier to work with a tutor and gain the results you desire. Applying too much pressure to your child can be counterproductive so it is important that they are willing to participate properly with any tutoring solution. Remote tutoring can be fantastic and lets the child work in their home environment, in their own time which can reduce stress and improve results.

What to watch out for
If you decide to use remote tutoring it's important to be careful before you employ someone. Treat this potential applicant like any other potential employee. You must get references in advance and follow them up - don't just email people ask to talk to their referees on the phone. If you are not sure that they are a good fit for your child find someone else. Remember they need to help and motivate your child not you! Before work begins ensure you are in agreement up front what results you expect, the time required and the payment terms. If your child seems to be getting to stressed and potentially depressed while engaged with a tutor you should consider whether it is wise to continue. Like any employee it's important to have key measures of success laid out in advance, you can then track and measure progress as you are working together. Make sure there are no language or communication barriers between your child and the tutor - it's vital they can understand each other.

Open communication
It's vital that any tutor tailors the plan to suit your child. It may not work if your child is just getting the odd email or Skype communication. If you set out a plan in advance make sure you stick to your commitments too. To get the best out of remote tutoring requires determination and self-discipline. Work together with the tutor to set goals so that your child can track their progress visually - this is a great motivator. Have regular open and honest conversations with the tutor and encourage them to be totally frank with you about your child's progress. If things need to change you need to sit down and address issues with you child; a remote tutor can only do so much.