Introduction
In a world where speed is often prioritised above all else, it is easy to assume that security assessments should be completed as quickly as possible. However, effective security is built on careful research, thorough investigation, and a clear understanding of the risks unique to each property. A professional security risk assessment requires time to observe, analyse, verify information, and develop practical solutions that address real vulnerabilities rather than symptoms. This article explores the importance of allowing the assessment process to unfold properly, why time is a critical component of identifying meaningful risks, and how a structured approach helps create security solutions that are practical, sustainable, and tailored to the specific needs of the client.
Security Risk Assessment – Everything in life seems to be rushed, and turnaround times are shortened because everything needed to be done yesterday.
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make, especially when it comes to investigations, research processes, and assessments. The main problem with a rushed timeframe is that it influences the ‘homework’ part of an assessment negatively, and when your homework is not done accurately, you will end up spending money on security equipment that might not even be able to eliminate your specific risks.
We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a warehouse in Standerton, establishing a clear timeframe for implementation while identifying risks that typical assessments often overlook. This process enables practical, actionable improvements to strengthen the property’s overall safety and security.
If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would like us to cover, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will create and publish articles tailored to your interests on our website.
Please view our article relating to ‘timeframe’ at this link:
“A heart transplant in 20 minutes” https://www.securitysa.com/62202n
Throughout South Africa,
Many properties implement incorrect security solutions because they conduct little or no research, or they do not allow enough time to identify all the risks and develop suitable solutions to address them. Security hardware is only a small piece of the security puzzle.
Expensive, state-of-the-art security equipment is not naturally synonymous with security. Security consists of a variety of levels that all need to work together to form a successful and functional security system.
• Unfortunately, we cannot accurately predict how long a Security Risk Assessment will take, but we aim to complete the assessment in 35 days.
Alwinco specializes in security risk assessments.
I can say with absolute certainty that one cannot conduct a proper Security Risk Assessment in less than the number of days mentioned above.
Just like you cannot bake a perfectly golden-crusted bread in 10 minutes or do a heart transplant in an hour. For a Security Risk Assessment to be successful, one must follow certain processes and protocols.
• It takes a minimum of 10–15 days to establish patterns, routines, behaviours in stressful situations, etc.
The first 10 days are usually a smokescreen for how everything really works.
• Like when you hear that your mother-in-law is on her way over to your house, you rush through the house to make sure everything is spotless, but when she leaves, everything goes back to normal.
The same applies to an assessor on site. This is not a true reflection of the security status. Can you really make recommendations on a smokescreen? If we do not identify the risks, how accurate can the solutions be?
In addition to this,
The total turnaround time is completely dependent on the number of risks. As well as finding suitable solutions for the risks. Finding viable and suitable solutions for each unique risk is often what takes up most of the time. Factors such as the weather, strikes, holidays, etc. all contribute to the total time spent on a risk assessment. The payment of the deposit or final invoice is also a factor that influences the timeframe of the risk assessment. Furthermore, we must often study patterns, habits, people, etc. to establish if they contribute to the risks, which also adds to the total time spent on the assessment.
All these factors play a role in the timeframe
Keep in mind that each assessment is unique, as no two sites or properties are alike. However, we always aim to conduct a Risk Assessment quickly without compromising the investigation, and the total time spent on an assessment does not impact the initially quoted price. Read more on if we only knew.
Written by Andre MMundell, Alwinco’s independent risk assessor. # Security Risk Assessment Hospitals
Gauteng (which includes Lenasia, Vanderbijl Park, Waterfall, Sandton, and Menlo Park), Bloemfontein, Chatsworth, and Cape Province are some South African regions where we conduct security risk assessments.