Security Tips for Office Relocation | 5 Ways to Plan

Office relocation is always a big endeavor, and one thing that runs the risk of being overlooked is updating methods of building security. New York City offices undertaking a relocation need to make sure the security technology is ready to go before the move is complete; here are some tips to help make it happen.

1. Plan based on location.

The security needs of your new site will no doubt vary from those of the old one. Factors to consider include the new location’s reputation and crime rate, in addition to who its business neighbors and residential neighbors are. In terms of the building itself, consider the following: how many entry points are on the building – are there more doors and windows, or fewer? How close is the building to the street? Is there a high-traffic sidewalk? Are you relocating to a Class A building with a main entrance and formal lobby, or moving into your own space? Some sites will be more exposed than others commercial, might be residential, may be commercial – the point is that New York City office spaces come in all different shapes, sizes and locations, and all require unique security solutions. All of these questions should be asked when considering the security needs of a new business location. 

2. Plan well in advance.

The time to get going on a new security plan is the moment the lease on the new space is signed. Make an appointment with a security integrator to assess the building (or the space of the building the business will occupy) as soon as possible, so that the security network can be ordered and installed well in advance of the move-in. The goal of this is provide enough time to test the system and ensure any kinks are worked out before the operation is under the new roof. The integrator will help management address all the questions asked above in regards to location, and help them fill security needs based on those factors.

3. Plan to use existing systems.

Most likely, it isn’t possible to bring the previous location’s security equipment to the new site. But if there is security technology already installed at the new location, some or all of it can be utilized. In many cases, this may be ideal; after all, the existing system was designed and installed specifically for that space. Of course, existing equipment may need to be brought up to speed for the new organization moving in – and that’s where the next tip becomes very important. If you are moving into a class A building where formal lobby turnstiles will have existing access control and security systems, then make sure you’re early on coordinating with the building’s property manager. You can find out what systems the building is using, and perhaps get a copy of one of the access cards. That way, you can make use of the same system ahead of time and eliminate the need for two different key cards for the building and your office.

Additionally, make sure the integrator you’re working with will implement the best practices for using the existing systems that are installed at the building. They may re-utilize cable, door hardware, etc, and they can perform a maintenance check to assess the quality of what’s currently in place.

4. Plan to make it work for you. 

Finding a security integrator with experience in repairing, reactivating, and upgrading existing system components is the key to making this successful. For example: The integrator may reactivate the building’s existing alarm technology, while adding on technology that was not previously in place such as an access control system or extra cameras in locations that require remote video monitoring. All of this will be planned out based on the needs of the organization moving in.

The time to get going on a new security plan is the moment the lease on the new space is signed. Make an appointment with a security integrator to assess the building (or the space of the building the business will occupy) as soon as possible, so that the security network can be ordered and installed well in advance of the move-in.

5. Plan to secure assets during the move.

The assets that will be moved over to the new location need to be secure, of course; for that reason, non-electronic security is equally important. Low-tech security starts with making sure boxes are sealed securely with high-quality tape, properly labeled, and transported under an inventory process approved by management. In terms of information security, any documents to be shredded or hard drives to be wiped should be done so according to strict protocols and under management’s supervision.

Office relocation may not be a walk in the park, but security cannot be overlooked among the busyness. To speak with a security integrator with ample experience in building security, New York City organizations can contact POM Technologies.

About POM Technologies

Peace Of Mind Technologies has delivered site-specific, cost-effective security solutions to facilities throughout the greater New York Metro area since 2002. We aren’t your average security company, with a wide range of equipment and services for building security. New York City facilities can contact us at (212) 688-2767 or info@pom-tec.com to request a free security analysis, or reach out via the contact form below.