When creating a request for proposals (RFP) for a security system request, it’s easy to focus only on video surveillance systems and traditional access control systems. These are typical list items on any security RFP.

Entrances, exits, hallways, and public spaces are obvious touchpoints for monitoring and control, especially when combined with security guards or a remote surveillance package.

However, cabinets are often overlooked when designing security plans and finalizing RFP documents. These essential storage spaces are necessary for any successful business operation and often hold essential documentation that a company needs in order to stay functional and compliant.

Before you finalize your request for proposal and start your selection process, take a moment to consider why you should add cabinet locks to your security RFP.

Cabinets are often overlooked when designing security plans. Adding cabinet locks to your security RFP can help keep essential business documents secure.

Hard copies are still a business requirement.

Storage cabinets hold more than business equipment and office supplies. Many cabinets hold essential business documentation that must be kept on file in order to stay compliant with federal and local laws.

This might include any of the following information:

  • Generic business details
  • Tax information
  • Contract documents
  • Invoices and other supporting business documents
  • Employee details (phone numbers, background checks, etc.)
  • Insurance and incident records

The types of files that any organization keeps on hand may vary, but many critical business components are tucked away in storage and filing cabinets across the United States.

On top of that, both employees and customers still prefer paper documents to digital formats in most cases. When stored, many of these printed documents are protected by low-grade cabinet locks or left in unlocked and easily accessible cabinets. From there, a curious subcontractor or an angry employee could access them with ease.

While general liability insurance may cover a business in the event of an incident, it may be smarter in the long term to protect critical business assets from prying eyes.

By adding smart and secure cabinet locks to your security RFP, you can stay one step ahead of the game when it comes to keeping company and employee information secure.

Employee theft is a big problem.

While no employer wants to hire a thief, the hard truth is that most employees steal.

One anonymous study conducted by Kessler International of 500 company employees found that 95% of employees steal from employers. Of that, roughly 50% admitted to stealing office supplies (pens, notepads, etc.), and more and 35% admitted to having stolen goods or services from their employer at one time.

Worse: Nearly 20% — a full one-fifth of employees — even admitted to stealing business intelligence including client lists, marketing lists, and proprietary business information.

In retail and service industries, theft can be even more prevalent. According to the National Retail Federation, roughly 33% of retail shrinkage in 2018 was due to employee theft.

These costs, even for small objects like pens and paper, add up. Losing client lists, contact information, and other proprietary intelligence can be devastating in a competitive marketplace. For retailers or medical suppliers, loss or product is also a major factor.

Perhaps most importantly, many of these files, supplies, and products are kept in office cabinets where they can be easily accessed by employees. This is necessary for the business to function, but you can protect your valuables while maintaining an efficient operation.

Adding cabinet locks to your security RFP and working with integrator partners, it’s possible to clamp down on employee theft before it even takes place. Keep in mind that you may not need to secure every single cabinet in your place of business.

As you engage in the RFP process and review submittals, talk it over with your security services. Before issuing a contract award, build an evaluation criteria to determine which cabinets would be ideal for a security upgrade.

Digital files are hard to secure.

We live in a digital world, and many companies have switched to recordkeeping databases for their most important files. Everything from insurance requirements to job descriptions can be neatly tucked away in a digital format.

The problem is that critical business information can be a tempting target for digital theft. These thefts can happen at any time and often take place so quickly that cybersecurity teams never have a chance to react.

Major breaches can have life-changing, real-world consequences. Everyone remembers the 2013 Target data breach and the 2017 Equifax hack. And it’s only gotten worse. In 2019, there were an estimated 7,098 data breaches, exposing 15.1 billion records — up 284% from 2018.

Between a growing number of viruses, worms, and other cybersecurity threats as well as a lack of technological savvy among employees, storing critical information in a digital format may well place convenience above security.

For non-critical operating information, this may be acceptable. For proprietary intelligence, storing these files in a physical format and tucking them away behind lock and key may be the best way to keep them safe.

For maximum security, an RFID-protected locking system is best. These systems work by replacing a physical key with a secure keycard, further enhancing security around your most sensitive documents.

Add Touchless Cabinet Locks to Your Next Security RFP With Senseon

Traditional cabinet locks are limited in the kind of security they can provide. These locks are exposed and can be broken into from the outside.

That’s why Senseon locks are custom-fitted to the interior dimensions of the cabinet and are unlocked via touchless RFID cards. This approach keeps your documents secure from within the cabinet and even reduces the spread of COVID-19 by minimizing touchpoints within your office.

Senseon touchless cabinet locks streamline your operations with tamper-proof security that eliminates the need for traditional locks and keys.

To learn more about Senseon locks and how we can work with security companies throughout the design and installation process, please get in touch!