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    Pros and cons of biometrics

    Biometrics are everywhere these days with fingerprints, retina, facial recognition, and DNA all used to determine the identity of an individual.

    When creating a security system, the unique nature of biometrics makes them far more secure than a simply password or lock and key system and are being adopted by technology companies and security firms across the globe.

    Biometrics are here now, and they’re here to stay, whatever your opinion on them may be but what exactly are the pros and cons of biometrics becoming such an integral part of the modern world?

    biometric scanner

    Pros of biometrics

    Biometrics keep us safe

    If you work somewhere that is protected by physical access control powered by biometrics, you can be confident that it is near impossible for any unauthorised individual to gain access to the site.

    This will give you tremendous peace of mind and let you get on with your work in peace. As an employer, boosting your security through the introduction of biometrics can improve productivity and employee satisfaction.

    Almost impossible to fake

    Fake IDs and stolen access codes are a constant threat to any property without biometrics which are pretty much impossible to fake thanks to the unique characteristics of each individual.

    They cannot be shared they cannot be stolen and are the single most effective security tool in the modern world as a result.

    Self-sufficient

    Whilst some companies choose to have a security guard monitor their biometric systems, this is not a necessity.

    These systems are perfectly capable of operating independent of human assistance.

    If you only have a limited budget and want to create as cost-effective a security system as possible there are very few single security measures that offer better value for money than a biometric access control system.

    Easy to operate

    When people hear the term biometrics, they often get a little bit wary and assume that there will be all sorts of technical knowledge required to use such a system. The opposite is actually true and these systems are remarkable easy to operate. All the programming and hard work will have been done long before your spanking new access control gate or lock arrives on your site.

    Cons of biometrics

    The main negative of biometrics in many people’s eyes is the privacy implications of having your own unique personal characteristics programmed into a system.

    Privacy

    It is of the upmost importance that your cyber security is top-notch when you install a biometric access control system. If the system is hacked the personal information of your staff may be compromises and you open yourself up to all sorts of legal complications.

    Errors

    The risk of an error with a modern biometric access control system is remarkably low, but this is technology that we are talking about, and the chances are never zero.

    That said, errors are unlikely to cause a security breach as the systems are designed to shut down in the event of an issue so the worst that will normally happen is a bit of inconvenience.

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    CCTV installation for business

    Modern businesses need CCTV. There are no ifs or buts about it, if you are a business that takes their security and the safety of their staff and customers seriously, CCTV is an absolute must have.

    It is not a question of if you should install CCTV then, but how. A well thought out installation process and a bespoke CCTV system designed to tackle the security issues of your company specifically is key to maximising effectiveness.

    In this article we will examine the optimal commercial CCTV installation in more detail including both the planning and installation stage.

    CCTV installation

    Conducting a risk assessment

    The first stage of preparing for CCTV installation is identifying where you want your CCTV cameras to go and what areas they need to cover. To do this effectively you need to identify high risk areas and areas that require top priority protection.

    To do this, start by identifying specific security risks. This might be based on incidents that have happened on-site in the past or incidents other companies in your industry have dealt with. If you are unsure where to start with a CCTV risk assessment, contact a local professional security company who will be able to carry out the assessment on your behalf.

    Make sure its legal

    There are several key pieces of legislation you must abide by when installing your CCTV system. These include legislation regarding national surveillance and privacy regulations. Once again. If you aren’t sure, ask the professionals.

    What is your budget?

    You should designate a good chunk of your overall security budget to CCTV, it really is that important. Once you have determined what your budget for the installation is, you will be able to go about planning your system more realistically.

    You may need to prioritise certain areas over others. This is where the risk assessment comes in once again.

    Avoiding disruption

    There is no need to put your operations on hold, or disrupt your daily activities just to have CCTV installed. Most professional CCTV installation companies will arrange a visit outside of normal working hours, allowing you and your staff to keep your business running as smoothly as ever.

    If you have done your research properly and picked a highly experienced security firm to carry out your CCTV installation the process will be remarkably straightforward and your cameras will be up and running before you know it. They will also give you some helpful advice on how to maximise the effectiveness of your cameras.

    Once installed, CCTV will be your silent eye in the sky, providing reassurance to staff and customers without distracting from the services or wares that you have to offer.

    What equipment do you need?

    There are a huge selection of different CCTV technologies on the market these days and it can be difficult to know where to start. Do you need monitored CCTV that alerts the police to intruders? Do you need CCTV fitted with AI? Do you need infrared cameras? These are all questions that you need to answer.

  • Real Estate Industry News

    Best ways to improve your garden this Autumn

    The Autumn is a stunning time to be out and about in the natural world. The leaves are turning red and golden and we often get an unexpected burst of warm weather before the chill of winter takes hold.

    This might be the last opportunity you get to sit back and relax in your garden for a good few months, at least without a woolly jumper and a thick coat, and is the perfect time to improve the way your outside space looks.

    There are all sorts of home (or garden) improvements that you might want to consider this autumn, but here are just a few of the most popular to give you some inspiration.

    double and triple glazing

    Install new windows

    During the winter months much of the enjoyment you get from owning your own garden comes from looking at it from inside your lovely warm and well-heated kitchen window. It doesn’t matter how great your garden looks if you can’t see it properly because your windows have become old, dirty, and miscoloured.

    It’s also a lot more enjoyable to look out into your garden if you can feel a cold breeze coming through the frame that indicates you are losing heat and money at a rapid rate.

    For all these reasons, autumn is a great time to invest in new double glazing Livingston. It also means that you won’t be stuck in a situation where you have to replace your windows or doors in the middle of winter and be left with gaping holes in the wall at the coldest time of the year.

    Fertilise your garden

    Winter fertiliser will help to keep the plants in your garden going strong during the winter and protect it from the cold and rain that is sure to come calling.

    There are actually fertilisers designed specifically for this task with ‘winterisers’ particularly effective at keeping grass lawns alive and well in freezing conditions. These fertilisers ensure that roots continue to grow during the winter and that they are able to put up with frost and disease.

    Water your plants

    There is a common misconception amongst many garden owners that plants only need to be watered during the summer when temperatures are high and rain is less common. IN reality, just because it is cold outside, does not always mean your plants have enough moisture. You should certainly reduce the amount of times you water your plants in the autumn and winter, however. After all, we aren’t short of rain in these seasons. Once or twice a month should be fine.

    Install a conservatory

    If you are looking for a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the great outdoors without the freezing temperatures and risk of getting soaked, nothing beats a conservatory of sunroom. Like with new window installation, this is your chance to get that conservatory you have been considering for so long. A conservatory is a wonderful addition to any property and can add significant value to your home.

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    How to prepare for a cosmetic procedure

    You have finally decide to take the plunge and have that cosmetic procedure you have been considering for so long. You have picked your clinic, found the perfect doctor, and booked in your appointment in the near future.

    All the hard work is done and all that is left to do is make sure that you are preparing yourself and your body properly for what is to come. As a top Glasgow skin clinic, we have compiled a list of some top tips for how to prepare properly for any cosmetic treatment.

    skin texture

    Stop Smoking

    If smooth clear skin is what your after this is good advice in general, but it really is essential that you stop smoking prior to your cosmetic treatment if you want to achieve the most impressive results.

    Nicotine has plenty of nasty effects on the human body, not least of which is slowing down the natural healing process. If you smoking in the weeks leading up to surgery, the risk of complications is significantly higher, as is the risk of noticeable scarring.

    Take time off work

    If you are having a surgical cosmetic procedure, or even a more invasive non-surgical one, you may need to take time off from work whilst you recover. In fact, if you do go under the knife you will definitely have to take at least a few weeks off work. Make sure that you plan this into your schedule and are fully aware of the expected downtime before proceeding. Rest is essential to the healing process and it is crucial you don’t try to rush yourself back to normal activity too soon. This would not only risk the effects of the cosmetic treatment being less impressive but could have serious consequences for your physical health.

    If you are in any doubt about the amount of downtime to expect or how to make sure you look after your body correctly, talk to an expert from luxeskin.co.uk today.

    Drink Plenty of Water

    Another tip that is simply good practice for your general health and wellbeing. Staying hydrated can make a huge difference to your appearance and especially the health of your skin over time. Leading up to your surgery or non-surgical procedure it is key that you drink plenty of water to cleanse your body and stay hydrated. However, your doctor may well tell you to stop drinking water the day before the procedure, especially if you are having surgery to minimise the risk of complications.

    Avoid anti-inflammatories

    Certain medicines such as the common anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen can increase the risk of bruising as a result of needles or surgical treatment. If you are getting Botox, dermal fillers, or another cosmetic treatment that involves the use of needles you may well be asked to avoid such medication in the lead up to the procedure. Painkillers such as paracetamol may be recommended to deal with minor side effects such as redness and sensitivity but always consult with a medical professional first.

  • Real Estate Industry News

    Services that all modern security companies should offer

    The security industry is incredibly competitive, and security companies must work hard to stand out from the crowd and achieve their growth objectives.

    How do you grow as a security company? Simple, you secure more contracts. Of course, this is a lot easier said than done, but offering services that other companies do not is a great way to give yourself the edge and ensure that your target clients pick you when looking for security services in the area.

    Each and every business has different security needs, and the more diverse your security services are, the better equipped you are to meet them all.

    Potential clients may search specifically for a service that their business needs, rather than security companies in general, and if you don’t offer that service, you will be instantly discounted form their considerations.

    Knowing exactly what services are most in demand and ensure that you offer them is the key to year on year growth for security firms in Newcastle, and this article will help you to identify exactly what these are and how to identify them.

    5 services all security companies should offer

    Every year the services that security company clients are looking for will change depending on a number of different factors including the nature of their operations and the current business climate.

    5 of the services that are widely considered as essential for security companies looking to achieve growth are:

    Risk Assessments

    In order for a business to identify exactly what threats they face to their security a risk assessment must be carried out. A risk assessment should identify the specifical security needs of a property or business and make recommendations for how they should be addressed.

    More often than not, the same security company that was used to carry out a risk assessment will be chosen by their client to provide the recommended services in the future. For this reason, risk assessments are a service that have the potential to bring in a huge amount of future business of your firm and should be offered by every security firm in the UK that is serious about success.

    Risk assessments should be carried out every do often, even once you have a professional security presence on site, to ensure that your services are being effective in tackling the threats identified and the finetune them for the future.

    Key holding

    Key holding is a highly effective service for businesses that do not need or do not have the budget for 24/7 manned guarding.

    It involves them entrusting a security firm a set of keys that they will use to provide a variety of services on their premises. These may include things such as opening and closing the site each day, responding to alarms, and conducting patrols on a set basis.

    Key holding and alarm response are two of the more common services offered by security companies and failing to do so will put you at a major disadvantage, reducing your list of potential clients to the few who have a large enough security budget to employ security guards on a full-time basis.

    Security technologies

    Security has become an integral part of every industry in the world, and security is no different. Nowadays, security guards must be backed with CCTV, alarm systems, access control gates and more.

    Whilst all security guards should become comfortable in using such technologies during their training, companies that also provide and install these technologies themselves are at an advantage.

    Businesses looking to put their security in the hands of a professional security company are looking for a one-stop solution to their needs and the more comprehensive the services that you provide are, the better.

    Remote monitoring solutions

    Remote monitoring is fantastic for clients as it allows them to check on their site from anywhere in the world, saving them the time, expense, and cost of physically visiting a site.

    Technologies such as mobile CCTV towers can be deployed at a moment’s notice, require no access to mains electricity, come fitted with the very latest AI motion detection technologies, and transmit live images via 5G.

    This makes them incredibly popular amongst owners of void properties, in rural car parks, and in a variety of other locations which are not visited on a regular basis and where installing fixed security systems can be difficult.

    Former police officers

    Police officers who have recently retired or switched profession are a major asset for security companies to have, providing a unique perspective on de-escalation and crown management that are invaluable for event security and much more besides.

    security patrol

    Being able to advertise, and tell clients, that you have these individuals advising you, or as a part of your security officer team, can justify you charging higher fees and attract clients that may otherwise have gone elsewhere.

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