September 10, 2024
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The World's Leading Companies View Security Differently Than Yours Does.
Here's how…
They don't see security as an expense. They see it as an investment.
…but there's one thing most companies get wrong with security…
They think skimping on physical security saves money.
Security doesn't cost you money. Risk does. An armed robbery. A smash and grab. A violent workplace attack. When it happens to you, it can cost millions. That's why the smart companies are investing in physical barriers (including ballistic rated windows and bullet resistant windows) before they need them.
In this article you'll learn:
When it comes to security most people get it wrong. They look at security as a cost. An expense to be minimised. Something to deal with down the road.
Don't fall into this trap.
The most successful companies across every industry don't look at security like expenses that need to be minimised. They think about it entirely differently.
They ask one question:
What could happen if we aren't protected?
Take a minute to consider the ramifications of that question. Lost revenue. Legal liability. Higher insurance premiums. Damage to your brand. Employee turnover. If a violent incident occurs at your place of business the impact can reach far beyond your balance sheet.
That's why companies all over the world are investing in products like bullet resistant windows. Top tier security isn't just about stopping bullets, it's about deterrence.
Show someone you're not an easy target and they'll keep looking.
The best security system you can buy is the one that never has to fire a shot.
Let's look at a few numbers.
Did you know workplace violence costs US businesses $130 billion annually? Expenses include lost productivity, medical bills, legal fees, and more. That's $130 billion annually. That's a billion with a B.
Investing in physical security doesn't just save you money, it pays you back.
Consider this:
For every dollar invested in improving workplace safety, approximately $3 or more is saved. In other words, spending money on physical security (that includes bullet proof glass) saves you money in the long run.
Here are a few more stats for you.
The moral of the story: companies that spend money on physical security end up spending less money.
Alright, let's dive into bullet proof glass specifically.
Regular glass is often the weakest link in any building. It provides essentially zero protection from forced entry, let alone bullets. Bullet proof glass eliminates that vulnerability entirely.
But today's bullet proof glass does more than just keep bullets out. Here are a few ways bullet resistant windows can help your bottom line.
Protection: A visible deterrent like bullet resistant windows tells criminals they're not looking at an easy target. It can make all the difference.
Response time: In the unfortunate event of a violent break-in, bullet proof glass can give precious time to get customers and employees to safety while first responders are notified.
Energy savings: Bullet proof glass reduces heat transfer. Thermally efficient ballistic glass helps save on energy bills year-round.
Durability: From scratches to forced entry, traditional windows are far more likely to need replacement.
Appearance: Gone are the days of bullet proof glass needing to look like bullet proof glass. Today's ballistic windows are designed to blend in with modern architecture.
UL 752 is the standard used to measure bullet proof glass resistance. The rating system goes from Level 1 through Level 8, with Level 1 capable of stopping most handgun fire and Level 8 capable of withstanding repeat rifle attacks.
This allows businesses to choose a bullet proof glass level that suits their needs without overpaying for unnecessary protection.
Bullet proof glass used to be the sole domain of banks. But as crime continues to evolve, so do bullet proof glass solutions.
Banks aren't the only ones who use bullet proof glass. In fact, there are a number of industries who should be considering bullet resistant glass for their business. Here are a few…
Banking: Ballistic glass protected teller stations are standard issue at banks and credit unions.
Retail: The retail and convenience store sector experiences a significant number of robberies each year. Employees are often at risk while serving customers. In fact, nearly 29% of workplace homicides happened in retail sales between 2014 and 2023. Bullet resistant windows at the point of transaction help keep employees safe.
Grocery: The grocery industry is a prime target for smash-and-grab thieves. Bullet resistant windows can help prevent expensive damage to your storefront.
Healthcare: Pharmacy counters and hospital reception desks are vulnerable access points for employees. Bullet resistant windows help keep receptionists and pharmacy workers safe.
Government: Government agencies and municipalities are having conversations about bullet proof glass to protect their employees.
Education: From K-12 to higher education, schools are seeing a rise in gun violence. Bullet resistant windows are one layer of protection that can help.
Office buildings: Some companies are installing bullet proof glass at front desks and entrances to keep employees secure.
There are many more industries that can benefit from bullet proof glass. To learn more, request a free consultation with a security specialist.
Here's the thing about bullet proof glass.
Bullet proof glass is not a silver bullet.
If you're serious about security you need to layer your defences. Bullet proof windows protect some of the most vulnerable entry points on a building. Bullet proof doors take away the most obvious point of entry. Security vestibules add an extra layer of protection by creating a safe space between first responders and anyone outside.
But no single solution is perfect. That's why layering protection matters. Individually each one of these solutions might miss. But stacked on top of each other? They're exponentially stronger.
Learn more about how to create a layered security solution for your business.
Stop treating security like an expense. It's an investment.
Remember:
Companies that view security as an investment protect their employees before it ever happens.
Here's your takeaway:
It's more accurate to view it as an investment in your business's future. The potential costs from a single security incident, such as legal fees, lost productivity, and damage to your reputation, can far exceed the upfront cost of protective measures. Proactive security is a core part of a sound financial strategy.
They serve as a powerful visual deterrent, making criminals think twice before targeting your business. They also provide critical time for your staff and customers to get to safety during an emergency, can improve your building's energy efficiency, and are far more durable than standard glass.
Not anymore. As security threats have changed, many industries now rely on this protection. You'll find it in retail shops, convenience stores, pharmacies, hospitals, schools, and government offices to safeguard vulnerable points of transaction and entry.
Layering security means you don't depend on a single solution. Instead, you combine multiple protective measures. For example, you might use bullet-resistant windows, reinforced doors, and a security vestibule. Each layer supports the others, creating a much more formidable and effective overall security system.
The right level of protection depends on your specific industry, location, and risk assessment. Security standards, like UL 752 for bullet-resistant glass, offer different levels of resistance. Consulting with a security specialist from a firm like Robin Waite Limited can help you determine the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for your needs.
