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For
vending business owners, there are numerous issues requiring constant attention:
maintenance issues, product issues, rising costs, employees, and of course,
security measures.
What do
you do to address your machines' security when one of your employees quits or
is asked to leave your company? Do you ask the employee for the keys back and
hope for the best? Or do you change the locks on your machines?
The Risks You Can Minimize by Changing
Your Keys
These
choices have potential risks and costs associated with them, and many
operators have to make these decisions more often than they care to think
about. Fortunately, there are many different types of vending cylinders and
locks available which can address your company's security needs. Re-keying
your machines can be a simple and cost-effective way to protect your business's
assets. Changing the keys regularly will also protect any former and current
employees from suspicion of wrong-doing. The more you can limit the access to
your machines, the safer your business will be.
One
security solution that works well for many vending operators is a
reprogrammable locking system that uses high-security cylinders that can be
reprogrammed (or re-keyed) very quickly by simply turning the keys. Changing
a key requires neither tools nor the removal of hardware or screws.
These
cylinders have been used successfully in Europe
for almost fifteen years in many types of vending operations and conditions.
The lock's technology allows the cylinder to be reprogrammed an unlimited
number of times, and there are over one million key combinations available to
maximize your security and your flexibility.
What to Consider When Choosing a
Locking System
When you
decide to install new locks in your vending machines, make sure that you
select models that are both pick-proof and bump-proof. Also check to make
sure that the factory or business has patented the keys so that there can be
no unauthorized key duplication. Your keys should be registered so that only
the factory can duplicate them, which further assures the security of your
vending machines.
A
reprogrammable locking system will not only increase your security, but also
save you valuable money and time. Instead of wasting money on new locks with
every suspected security breach, or wasting time waiting for new locks'
delivery or installation, you can switch out your machines' keys
immediately.
Sustainability
is another unique feature of a reprogrammable system. This means that when
you remove the keys from your operation, the removed keys can be placed back
into service at another date or on another location. This will increase your
return-on-investment measurements, and the keys will not end up in the trash,
thus avoiding a negative impact on our environment.
Consider
your business's needs when choosing a locking system for your machines. You
can't afford to ignore your business's security needs for long.
More Security Tips for Your
Vending Business
·
Replace the locks on your vending machines as soon as you buy them,
whether you buy new or used equipment. It is worth it to spend the extra
money up-front to outfit your vending machines with good, high-quality,
pick-resistant locks that will deter would-be thieves.
·
Always try to place your machines where that they will be in plain
view of the location's employees. Not every thief will be deterred by a
high-visibility position, but it can help.
·
Get to know the employees at your locations. Introduce yourself and
greet them when you visit. If one of your route drivers will be servicing the
account, introduce him or her to the location's workers. Tell each location
that your vending machines will only be serviced by your route driver or
yourself, and that if someone else will be servicing the account, you will
notify them ahead of time. While you can't expect each location's workers to
be your security guards, they can be a great ally in protecting your
machines.
·
Security cameras can both help catch vending burglars and discourage
them from targeting your machines.
·
Don't leave large amounts of cash in your office or home overnight.
Get a safe to protect your business profits.
·
Performing background checks on new employees can help prevent
internal theft, which is estimated to comprise between 50 and 70% of all
workplace crime. Require references from job applicants.
·
Change your keys when an employee leaves your employment, and limit
who has access to your keys at all times.
·
Vary your route service schedule from time to time to avoid making
your cash flow too predictable for thieves. Also change the time you visit
the bank to deposit your money.
© Independent Vendors
Association
Third Quarter 2007, IVA
Quarterly Magazine
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