Physical or technical security — which do you need?
When an alarm system is enough, and when you need an officer on site.
Many clients arrive with the decision already made — they want a guard, or they want cameras. In practice the right answer is usually a combination.
When technical protection is enough
If the site is empty outside working hours and the main risk is break-in, a well-designed alarm system connected to an operations centre is often sufficient. A patrol responds to the signal, which costs considerably less than a permanent presence.
When you need an officer on site
If there are people, cash or a risk of incidents during opening hours, technology alone will not do. A camera records an event; it does not prevent one. An officer resolves the incident while it is happening.
Why the combination works best
Technical protection covers the hours when nobody is there; the officer is present when the site is busiest. That gives full coverage without paying for a 24-hour presence where it is not needed.
How to decide
Start with what you are actually protecting and when you are most exposed. An on-site assessment answers this better than any table.
When technical protection is enough
If the site is empty outside working hours and the main risk is break-in, a well-designed alarm system connected to an operations centre is often sufficient. A patrol responds to the signal, which costs considerably less than a permanent presence.
When you need an officer on site
If there are people, cash or a risk of incidents during opening hours, technology alone will not do. A camera records an event; it does not prevent one. An officer resolves the incident while it is happening.
Why the combination works best
Technical protection covers the hours when nobody is there; the officer is present when the site is busiest. That gives full coverage without paying for a 24-hour presence where it is not needed.
How to decide
Start with what you are actually protecting and when you are most exposed. An on-site assessment answers this better than any table.