We now back in a lockdown, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic until the 2nd December but Security Group remains open for business even if some members of staff are working from home. This means supporting customers in all sectors, remotely if possible, but on site if absolutely necessary, and keeping to Covid-Secure rules.
If our domestic customers do not wish for us to complete any checks or maintenance during the lockdown period, we will respect your wishes. However, the Guidance from the Government in this lockdown does allow us to work in your home if you are happy for us to do so.
Specifically, the guidance states that: “Where it is necessary for you to work in other people’s homes – for example, for nannies, cleaners or tradespeople – you can do so.”
As we provide vital security services for homeowners and businesses it is necessary sometimes for our engineers to come to you where they cannot support you from their home or the office. The Guidance also states: “To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home should do so. Where people cannot do so – including, but not limited to, people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction, or manufacturing – they should continue to travel to their workplace. This is essential to keeping the country operating and supporting sectors and employers.”
Businesses who may now be leaving their premises empty for longer periods again may want to make sure that your intruder alarm, CCTV and access control systems are working properly. If you have modern IP CCTV you will be able to remotely monitor your premises on a mobile or desktop device. Therefore, businesses should ensure that their CCTV installer has provided the necessary software so staff can monitor the CCTV images. Alternatively, a CCTV firm can provide the remote monitoring service for you.
Security Group can support our customers to ensure they have the means to monitor CCTV and access control systems on a mobile or desktop remotely. Our preferred CCTV manufacturer is Avigilon which has developed an easy to use video management software, Avigilon Control Center, which can operate in a web browser via Avigilon Cloud Services as well as on mobile devices using ACC Mobile 3.
Electronic access control systems, such as Paxton Net2 software, are also available as web-based versions which can be accessed remotely wherever you have an internet connection. These systems can be integrated with intruder alarms so can give you added peace of mind if you have had to lock up your business premises.
Meanwhile, essential retailers and other businesses that are remaining open during the lockdown period may want to take advantage of the new software features and CCTV solutions that have been developed in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Please see our last two blogs which outline the innovations developed by Paxton and Avigilon and look for further updates giving more details over the coming weeks.
Although these remain challenging times Security Group can support you at home and your business so you can be safe and secure during this lockdown, and while Covid-19 restrictions continue, so please get in touch.