Many small mechanic shops struggle with how to balance their limited budgets and slim profit margins with the need for security. But in this modern world, no business can afford to ignore security risks. And auto mechanics face unique challenges that make security more important than ever. Here are three big reasons why auto repair shops need to invest in security measures.
1. High Dollar Assets
Auto repair facilities have responsibility for customers' vehicles throughout the work day and often overnight. While all of these cars and trucks have value to their owners, some vehicles in particular are worth a pretty penny.
Along with carrying the right insurance coverage to protect your business from financial ruin if something happens to a customer's vehicle, you also need to take steps to prevent problems from occurring. Secure customers' property during the day — when technicians and employees move freely around the shop — with things like access control panels on pedestrian and bay doors. Add more security steps when the shop is closed up.
The best security measures to prevent outside intruders will likely include designing an access control system that identifies authorized persons in different areas. You'll want cameras at entrances, facing windows, and placed around the property's parking areas and driveways. Choose cameras of sufficient strength to provide detailed pictures of suspicious individuals from a distance of at least 50 feet.
Depending on your neighborhood, you could opt for a simple alarm system that's triggered by changes in the property. Or, your location may call for monitored cameras at night and on weekends. Whatever system you choose, include gas and fire alarms for when no one is around.
2. Business Liability
If anything does happen to a customer's vehicle or property inside, you need to demonstrate that you have taken good care of the car and that your people aren't responsible for any damage. How can you demonstrate that?
One way is to have camera footage of the work going on in the bays. This way, you can not only ensure good quality work but also show that repairs were done according to best practices. Inside the building, use cameras that have a mid-range capability — you don't need to see as far away as you do with exterior cameras — and place them with a clean line of sight to all work areas.
Cameras on entrances, nighttime monitoring service, and good access control measures also reduce your liability if something is stolen or vandalized when no one is around.
Finally, what about safety liability? If a technician, office employee, or customer is injured on your site, can you show that you operate a safe workplace and take appropriate precautions? Once again, camera systems are a big help. They are also excellent ways to assess the incident and find ways to prevent future issues or injuries.
3. Customer Information
Vehicles aren't the only sensitive items you have custody of. What about the customer records in your offices? Personally-identifiable information includes anything with customer names, addresses, phone numbers, business information, or vehicle identification. And don't forget about employee records such as payroll information, personnel files, and banking documentation.
Your files are likely full of personally-identifiable information that you must protect, but how? Possible physical security measures include locked storage and access control both into offices where work is done and where sensitive files are stored. You will also need to add cyber security features if you use any kind of computer software or cloud storage for data. Harmonize cyber and physical security into one overall plan.
At All Pro Security, Inc., we can help you design the right security system to keep your business and your customers' property safe. Call us today to make an appointment to learn more.
