DEPLOYING PROPER SECURITY AND MONITORING SYSTEMS - Chanukya's Way

[Guest guest]

DEPLOYING PROPER SECURITY AND MONITORING SYSTEMS - Radhakrishnan Pillai

 

 

 

Everyone knows how important security is. Still, most do not maintain a proper

monitoring and vigilance system, despite these avoiding or at least immensely

containing and confining leaks. Without a proper security system, processes will

get out of control one day and this can become fatal for the organisation.

 

Chanakya has derived systems for security and protection of goods in an

organisation. He says,

 

" Every object should go out of or come into (the palace) after it is examined

and its arrival or departure recorded " (1.20.23)

 

In an office there are many transactions that happen daily. People come in and

go out, goods get delivered, some are even sent out. This kind of exchange is

more common in manufacturing sectors like factories and other production units.

 

Clearly Chanakya has emphasised on good strict security procedures systems and

documentation of all goods transactions at an organisation. He also suggests

that, before they are recorded, they should be examined to ensure that what is

recorded is correct and genuine.

 

How do we follow this advice in today's corporate scenario? Here are some tips

and suggestions:

 

1. USE TECHNOLOGY

 

We now have various gadgets and equipments that easily record and document all

transactions. Cameras fitted in gates for surveillance, bar-coding for tracking

goods and other such systems/ processes can make things easy and save a lot of

time. Technology also has the added advantage of reducing human errors.

 

2. MAKE YOUR SYSTEM UNIQUE

 

Even though there are various ready-made software packages available in the

market for security purposes, make sure that you pick the one that records all

the things that are important and useful to YOU. If need be, get a tailor-made

system in order to get the required reports as quick as possible.

 

3. NOW MONITOR THE SYSTEM

 

Just setting up a working system will not ensure its smooth functioning. Make

sure that you, as a manager, keep checking the system at regular intervals. In

this way, the security personnel – and even the general staff will always be on

their toes.

 

4. CONDUCT SURPRISE INSPECTIONS

 

This is the most effective way to keep security under your control. Keep a close

and unannounced watch on the people who handle your security systems. Subject

them to surprise checks. At times, it is also important to transfer security

personal without any notice.

 

Finally, do remember that security is not just about having technology in place.

Rather, security is about you being alert and vigilant all the time, for all

required processes. After all, like a leading consultancy once noted to its

dismay, " It just doesn't work if you check all the visitors and their bags on

the way in, but hardly ever when they are going out! "