Increase Security at Your Golf Course with ID Cards

Closeup of man’s foot as he practices golf on the field

Golf courses are a popular establishment in Canada, as the country was home to 1,700 golf courses and country clubs as of 2021. Security is a priority at golf courses; this is where ID cards come into the picture. Two benefits of using ID cards at a golf course are enhanced security and a display of appreciation for member loyalty. For golf courses and other service-based establishments, photo ID cards help store member information, improve customer experience, and control access. 

You can choose the level of security based on your golf course’s individual needs. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated membership card system, you can use one that streamlines various management functions, such as security, facilities access, member information, rewards programs, and payments. Avon Security Products offers a wide range of popular security products that can help your golf course improve security functions and increase the value of your membership services. Learn more about increasing security at your golf course with the ID cards below. 

Quickly Identify Members & Employees 

ID cards can help you identify who belongs on the course and who doesn’t. By requiring all golfers and staff to wear ID cards, you can quickly and easily identify anyone not authorized to be on the property. This will reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the golf course, making the space safer for members and employees. It will also help you improve your company’s image and may attract more members to the club.

When choosing membership ID cards for your golf course, consider the required safety features. Some features that easily help you identify members and employees include their names and photos. You should also include additional safety features, such as holograms, watermarks, or barcodes, to reduce the risk of card duplication. Another factor to consider is the quality of the ID card. Use ID cards with high-quality materials to avoid frequent damage and cost associated with replacement. 

Control Access to Certain Areas

You will likely have many members at your golf course, especially if your establishment is open to the general public. A study found that there are around 5.7 million golfers in Canada, and even if a few of them join your establishment, it’s essential to control access to certain areas. The good news is our products have several security features that can enable you to restrict access to certain areas of the course. For example, you can use ID cards to ensure that only members can enter the clubhouse or that only staff are allowed in the maintenance area. Limiting the number of people who can enter specific areas will reduce security risks and help members and staff feel safe at your golf course.

Track Visitors & Staff

When choosing ID cards for a golf course, it’s important to include a tracking feature that can help you keep track of who is on the course at any given time. Some of our ID card systems include a feature that allows you to store information about the ID cardholder and track them in real time. This can be particularly useful in an incident or emergency, as you can quickly determine who was on the course and where they were located. It also reduces the risk of theft and other criminal activities, as members and staff know they are continuously tracked. 

Boost Golf Course Security Today

When implementing an ID card system, choosing a secure and reliable system that can’t be easily replicated or hacked is important. If you’re looking for an ID card system that takes your golf course’s security to the next level – look no further! Our products are carefully designed to fulfill each business’s individual needs. Contact a representative today for more information. 

How to Program Proximity Cards

Man pointing card towards camera in office setting

Proximity cards, also known as prox cards or access control cards, are contactless ID cards created with a technology that is read by a card reader to control access to a building. They are an excellent option for offices looking to enhance workplace security and limit the number of unauthorized entries.

Due to its durability, a proximity card is an ideal option for offices that need to control access to a building or room multiple times a day. Since proximity cards are not scanned or swiped like a magnetic cards, the risk of damage to the card is minimal. A simple tap allows the card reader to identify the information stored on the card to determine if the cardholder should be denied or granted access to a space.

If you’re thinking about taking your office security to the next level, the first step is to buy security products like proximity cards and set them up. Learn how to program proximity cards to ensure your workplace is highly secured. 

Find the Right HID Prox Format & Part Number

human interface device or HID is a computer device usually used by humans to take input from one and provide output to another. HID manufacturers offer several credential formats that determine the type of access control system. Check your HID system to find the right credential to specify the correct proximity format.

HID assigns a format code to each proximity card, indicating how the internal programming of your cards will be read. You can find this number in your box. The best proximity cards will clearly state the numbers and allow you to program your card or reorder them easily. If you’re having difficulties with this, contact our team for assistance.

Specify Programming Information

The next step is to choose your programming specifications. Your HID proximity card software will offer a variety of formats that can be used for programming and may require you to add a different format to your door access system. Every HID proximity card includes the base part number and a series of letters to indicate a credential’s appearance options.

Each proximity card may have slightly different options, but all typically include the key categories and typically start with “HI.” Some combinations can be ordered directly due to their popularity, but you may require assistance for others. The good news is our ID card experts are available to guide you through the process and help you learn about the program functioning for proximity cards.

Select Facility Code & Card Range Number

Most ID card manufacturers require you to specify your facility code, also known as a site code, when placing your order. The facility code depends on the location or other variables. Each manufacturer tries to manage the facility numbers it issues to different customers in a specific area to minimize the risk of duplication.

The starting card range number is the internal card number uniquely programmed into each HID card. Once you specify the first few digits, the cards are programmed with sequential numbering. One crucial step in this process is to avoid overlapping card ranges, as your system may not be able to distinguish between them. It’s important that you gather information on proximity cards available on our website to learn everything you need to know about proximity cards.  

Assign Cards to Employees

Once you’ve finished programming your cards and ordering them, start assigning the proximity cards to your employees. Assigning proximity cards to your employees is a great way to keep your workplace safe by limiting access to areas with sensitive information and keeping intruders away!

5 Ways to Increase Security in Government Buildings

Government buildings, such as community services, town halls, community centres, and landmarks, are designed to serve the public for numerous purposes. As a result, public access to these buildings makes them susceptible to crime, such as arson, theft, vandalism, break and enters.

The National Crime Prevention Centre (NCPC) continuously makes efforts to prevent and reduce crime by intervening in risk factors and implementing effective prevention practices before a crime occurs. In addition to these measures, government buildings can take additional steps to increase security in government buildings through ID cards, qualified security personnel, and video surveillance. Learn some practical ways to increase security in government buildings below.

Use Controlled Access Systems

Government buildings receive lots of traffic throughout the day and some during the night. So, it’s important to take proper measures to enhance safety to secure valuable data, equipment, employees, and visitors.

A controlled access system allows only authorized individuals to enter a building or specific area, making it the ideal option. You can use the best ID cards and top-of-the-line readers to track the facility and restrict entry to certain areas. You can easily update the access based on your current needs when needed.

Hire Efficient Security Personnel

Government buildings must be secure efficiently, often requiring professional security personnel’s assistance. Consult a credible security management company to find someone who can support your building continuously. This will increase security and further restrict unauthorized entries to the building.

Security can also help organize and control situations in significant events or crowds. In the event of a mishap, professional security personnel are likely to have an emergency response plan to protect the building and its members. In addition, security personnel can ensure the safety of employees working late, allowing your staff members to feel more secure at the workplace.

Install Panic Button

Panic buttons allow your employees to alert security monitoring companies about potential emergencies in the building, such as theft, robbery, or vandalism. Place panic buttons strategically throughout your workplace that employees can easily reach.

To ensure that outsiders don’t know the placement of the panic buttons, it’s important to limit access to the building. Issue ID cards for government employees to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering working spaces. An efficient ID card system can also protect your building from insider threats and reduce the risk of equipment or data theft. Consult our ID card experts to find the right solution for your building.

Upgrade Surveillance System

Many organizations across Canada use conventional CCTV cameras. Some of these cameras are monitored by on-site security, while other cameras simply record the footage. Although a CCTV camera helps control crime, it’s important to upgrade your surveillance system, especially in today’s uncertain climate.

Consider implementing verified alarms that use remote security to stop criminals from running away after committing a crime. When the motion sensors activate the alarm, a security professional can view the live broadcast of the scene through a remote monitoring station. This makes it easier to take immediate action.

Enhance Cybersecurity

Several government services use digital platforms to connect to the public. Although it is an efficient method of communicating with people, it also poses several cybersecurity risks. Some of the modern security risks include malware, phishing, password attacks, and denial of service.  

The best way to reduce cybersecurity risks is by learning about the latest cybersecurity threats and installing anti-virus software. It’s also important to train your employees to help them stay informed and allow them to take the right steps in the case of a cyberattack.

Your Guide to Military ID Cards

Military personnel with wife and child

Security is crucial for military facilities for the safety of personnel and the protection of equipment, weapons, and confidential information, which is where ID cards play a critical role. Military ID cards serve multiple purposes, such as identifying veterans, military personnel, and family members. Military ID cards unlock more than just building doors; they also allow families of personnel to use eligible benefits.  

Military cards must use the latest technology to safeguard all people, places, and equipment. Avon Security Products identifies the value of a secure military photo ID card, so we use advanced technology and features to meet the unique needs of the Canadian Armed Forces. Here is everything you need to know about military ID cards.

Purpose of Military ID Cards

Military ID cards serve many purposes; learn more about them below.

Identification of Veterans & Military Personnel

Using an efficient ID card system offers quick and easy identification. When military personnel are working on-site, managers and other personnel must be able to identify the individual. Similarly, veterans can use their ID cards to access various benefits in Canada, such as income support, disability, and health care. With proof of ID, veterans can access the benefits they are entitled to for serving their country.

Verification of Family for Benefits

Military personnel or veteran’s spouse or dependent children have access to benefits, such as health care, life insurance, or school payment assistance. However, they must prove their status to be eligible for support.

ID cards simplify the identification process and allow family members to get quick access to benefits they are eligible to receive. This makes it easier for families to cope with certain situations, especially during medical emergencies.

Site, Equipment & Data Protection

Military sites contain important equipment, weapon, and confidential data. Securing these elements is a high priority of military services. Providing ID cards for military personnel is the best way to restrict unauthorized access to these areas. Military ID cards make it easier for security to identify authorized staff. At the same time, advanced scanning systems enable military personnel to enter areas quickly with proximity cards or other smart cards with advanced features.

Features of Military ID Cards

Military ID cards have several features that add value to the security system, some of which are discussed below.

Proximity Technology

A proximity card is a technology that allows the machine to read a card without requiring insertion. These cards typically contain an embedded antenna coil which contains all encoded card data, such as the ID holder’s name, position, and authorization level.

Proximity technology can do wonders for military services, but it’s important for management choosing ID cards to understand the importance of ID badges and the value of proximity technology to make an informed decision when selecting the right system.

Holographic Text

Holographic texts add a unique layer of security to your ID cards to increase visual authenticity. One notable feature of ID cards with hologram technology is that they appear different each time, depending on the light and angle at which they are viewed. A key benefit of holograms is that they are challenging to alter, remove, or duplicate, reducing the risk of counterfeit cards.

Official Watermarks

Adding watermarks to ID cards is another great way to minimize the risk of duplication. The watermark image is typically transparent on the card, showing the authenticity of the military personnel.

ID cards are vital to the Canadian military, serving various purposes. Explore the different functions our card systems provide to choose the best system for your team.

How Field Service Technicians Can Use ID Cards

Electrical technician working with switchboard fuses

Field service technicians handle on-site servicing, maintenance, and repairs of electrical products or equipment. They typically work on-site in different locations, including factories, manufacturing plants or construction sites. Since they typically work with expensive equipment and enter areas that may restrict entry to visitors, they need to use ID cards during work.

An ID card system can help customers feel safe when field service technicians are dispatched for work. IDs allow customers to identify the technician and ensure they are authorized to enter your building. But that’s not the only way field service technicians can use ID cards. Learn how field service technicians can use ID cards below.

Enter Work Sites at Ease

ID cards streamline the verification process for field service technicians, allowing them to save time when entering a work site. The ID card systems by Avon Security Products are created with advanced technology that facilitates secure hologram imprinted ID cards. This ensures that unauthorized individuals cannot tamper with the card.

Entering work sites easily enables field service technicians to complete their tasks sooner, giving them time to move to another work location. This boosts the company’s revenue and allows more customers to learn about the company when they have more time to schedule jobs.

Save Time During Dispatch

Dispatching is the process of sending a field service technician to a work site. It is one of the most critical steps in field service management, so the process must be seamless. When creating ID cards, consider printing their area of expertise on the card for easy identification. Providing your team with ID cards lets you quickly identify their names and send them for work based on their expertise.

Saving time during dispatch allows technicians to reach work sites sooner, which may help them feel more motivated to work. Any time lost during dispatch may pressure technicians to work faster when on-site, affecting their quality of work.

Build Relationships with Customers

Whether you work with commercial or residential customers, having a solid service technician identification system can help customers trust you more. This can create a positive relationship between the technician and the customer or the company and the customer. When the customer needs a field service technician in the future, they are likely to think of your company, which is a plus for your business.

Improve Company Image

When you implement an effective ID card system, customers will likely perceive your company positively. They will know you are serious about their security and improving the company’s image. However, you must choose the right ID card system based on your industry and individual needs. The experts at Avon Security Products can offer assistance in choosing the right ID cards from our vast pool of options. Some factors that influence your decision are your company size, the number of technicians, and the types of customers you service.

Whether you need a new ID card system, an upgrade, or accessories to enhance security, we have you covered. Talk to one of our experts to learn about the best systems for companies offering field services.

How To Make High-Quality Ski Resort Passes

The winter season is finally upon us. That means fun with friends and family in the snow, with activities ranging from building a snowman to sledding.

For more adventurous families, it’s the start of the ski season when resorts are open for more business. It’s the time to use their preferred season passes and jump from one piste to another.

Offering season passes to resort-goers is an excellent way to reward skiers and snowboarders. However, you need to implement various design elements for them to be effective.

Keep reading below for more about season passes. Learn how to make high-quality ski resort passes by knowing the vital design elements.

 

What is a ski pass?

Generally, ski resort passes are tickets or badges that skiers and snowboarders pay to ride chairlifts and run around the resort. These passes typically allow visitors to enjoy resorts for a certain number of days. However, some providers offer unlimited access with no blackout dates.

Apart from being day lift tickets, season pass holders can access various ski resorts globally. That means skiers have vast choices of places and pistes to enjoy.

Some famous examples include the Ikon Pass, Epic Pass, Mountain Collective, and Indy. They provide easy access for skiers and snowboarders to resorts across Canada, particularly in the Canadian Rockies. These also include resorts in Banff and Lake Louise.

They also offer access to ski resorts throughout the US, Australia, Japan, Chile, New Zealand, and Europe.

Furthermore, among the best ski pass benefits is to prevent visitors from waiting in long lines in ticket windows. That means they can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or sightseeing immediately once they enter the resort. Some even make their time of purchase way before ski season even begins. They or their family members can just pick up their passes on opening day and have fun.

 

Design Essentials for Ski Passes

When planning to create passes for various guest services, you must prioritize having a professional look and feel. Include the following elements for designing effective access or privilege card for skiers:

 

Personal information and photo

Ski passes are generally visitor badges for skiers and snowboarders in the ski area. Names will be vital to help security personnel identify guests. You can also include pass numbers to help admin officers with encoding. Furthermore, it helps to require a photo for better identification and more robust security.

If you want a quality look to your pass, take your guest’s photo in person instead of requesting them online. Invest in high-quality webcams to make the pictures look more professional.

 

Data encoding features

ID badges have become more than just identification accessories. Now, it’s a vital tool for accessing and storing information.

Adding data encoding features like barcodes, RFIDs, and magnetic strips can help you access visitor data quickly. Today, you can store various information in ski resort member ID cards, including name, address, and proof of age. You can also enable resorts to identify visitor payment plans, methods used like payment through credit cards, and trail maps availed.

 

Branding elements

Having ID badges is one of the best ways to extend your brand identity. That means you don’t have to stick with the basics. Apart from your logo, you can incorporate some of your brand colours and design elements.

Meanwhile, you can also use your branding to make specific pass options identifiable. For instance, you can use your colours and elements to differentiate family passes from individual passes.

 

Security features

To prevent malicious individuals from gaining access to resorts, you must make your passes hard to replicate. Use features like hologram shields and ultraviolet (UV) printing to make them more secure. The good news is that these security elements work well with all types of ID cards.

 

You can prepare these security add-ons pre-season in case some make their pass purchase ahead of time.

 

Pro Tip

Never add too many colours and design elements when creating ID badges. Doing this will make your passes crowded and unprofessional. The best way to design it is by using limited design elements with readable texts.

 

Create Secure and Creative Ski Resort Passes

Ski passes benefit those seeking adventure for the upcoming holiday season. Offering them during winter is an excellent way to provide a more seamless skiing and snowboarding experience. Plus, it encourages more traffic to ski and mountain resorts.

If you want to get started with creating these passes, you need service providers you can trust. Fortunately, you have Avon Security Products.

We offer various ID services for different needs, from the best ID card printers to quality ID systems. Talk to us today for high-quality ski passes.

Check out Avon Security Products today for professional ID services. From cards to systems and other related products, know more about the industry through Canada’s largest photo ID warehouse!

 

FAQs on Making High-Quality Ski Resort Passes

What’s the difference between a ski pass and a lift pass?

Ski passes and lift passes are generally interchangeable. Visitors and providers shouldn’t worry about mistaking them because they refer to the same perks.

 

Does font matter for passes?

Yes. To make the texts readable, you must use the proper font style and size. When doing so, ensure that the font is clean. Go with a sans-serif font for a clearer finish. Don’t make it too large to keep the information secure.

 

What’s the perfect material for passes?

Ski passes must be durable. Always go for a PVC or PET card. These materials also work well with various security and data encoding features.

3 Ways Photo ID Cards Can Benefit Your Non-Profit Organization

Security breaches can cost a lot of money. According to a study, big enterprises pay up to $551,000 to recover from these breaches. Even small businesses are not safe and pay around $38,000 to recover. 

The same research showed that over 90 percent of businesses and organizations admitted to having some security incident. Around 46 percent of those firms lost sensitive data due to internal and external factors.

Offices and places that handle sensitive information should have some access control security measures onsite. These include healthcare facilities, financial institutions, the federal government, and non-profit organizations (NPOs). Having one mitigates the risk of having headaches in the future.

Read on and find out how photo ID cards can benefit non-profit organizations.

1. Enhanced Security Across Your Organization

Identification cards usually have your contact information, date of birth, and expiration date. But nowadays, modern photo ID cards and badges go beyond proof of identity and granting access.

Businesses and NPOs have been adapting to these new technologies. These allow them to instantly restrict access services on expired ID cards for employees or volunteers. This strengthens access control and security.

These firms can also have an ID program where specific individuals are granted temporary access to certain facility areas. This is great, especially if you only allow visitors for a certain period. Having restrictions on access to some areas promotes public safety. This is especially when dealing with hazardous chemicals and pathogens.

2. Excellent for Branding and a Great Sign of Professionalism

These photo ID badges are a low-cost and highly visible means of brand marketing. ID cards for the non-profit industry are also a great way to showcase that you take workplace security seriously. 

Having proof of identity or an identification card when doing a potentially dangerous job is becoming a norm. This is because more and more companies and NPOs require their staff to have their employee IDs at all times.

These photo ID badges are excellent for people doing emergency and healthcare services. They usually encourage confidence among those shown the identification card.

3. Can Be Integrated With the Latest Access Control Technology

Modern photo ID cards go beyond mere proof of identity. With technological advancements, some ID programs allow you to integrate smart features into them.

 

You can have a modern card design with barcodes and proximity sensors that control onsite access. These smart features eliminate the need to have additional employees watch the door. Instead, the process is already automated.

 

These proximity cards use radio frequency identification (RFID). They utilize electromagnetic fields to gain access to specific doors. These smart features can also allow employees to access their computers by only being near the sensor.

 

Some of the more advanced integrations in some ID programs let you use your photo ID cards to buy food and drinks from onsite canteens. This feature integrated with your system streamlines the process. It eliminates the need for cash or a credit card in the workplace.

Pro Tip

Making your employee ID cards clearly identifiable from visitor ID cards can make it easier for your security personnel to identify who is in the building quickly. With that, they can direct visitors accordingly should they go astray.

Get Your Photo ID Cards From AVON Security Products

ID cards have come a long way from the traditional proof of identity. Modern photo ID cards come with a battery of integrations. Nowadays, you can integrate multiple functions into them, such as access control and temporary passes for visitors. They can even have payment systems for onsite facilities.

Well-designed photo ID cards can further strengthen your non-profit organization’s branding. That’s why choosing reputable ID card printers to do the job is essential. Avon Security Products is Canada’s most prominent photo ID warehouse and caters to over 25,000 customers nationally. We are 100% Canadian-owned and offer our services to small start-ups with a few employees and big organizations with hundreds of thousands of employees.  

If you are looking for reputable photo ID card printers, look no further than Avon Security Products. Contact us today to know how we can help you.

FAQs About the Ways Photo ID Cards Can Benefit NPOs

Can you colour-code modern photo ID cards?

Yes, you can. Colour-coded photo ID cards can make it easier for your security personnel to identify which people are supposed to be in an area of a facility or building. Colour-based access is an effective way to control access, especially if you are trying to protect highly sensitive information.

Are modern photo ID cards suitable for small organizations?

It is a common misconception that only big organizations should have modern photo ID cards. On the contrary, small organizations can significantly benefit their security prowess when applied correctly. And there are many photo ID card printers in the market. The best thing is you can even do it onsite if you have the necessary equipment.

Are modern photo ID cards easily duplicated?

Time not long ago, company photo ID cards were easily duplicated by anyone with a modest inkjet printer. However, as technology evolves, photo ID badges have grown with it. By having electronic chips and barcodes integrated into today’s photo ID cards, it’s almost impossible to counterfeit them. 

Everything You Need to Know About Proximity Cards

Hand holding proximity card about to tap onto card reader at building door

Technology has enabled businesses to enhance security measures to keep their workplace, employees, and clients safe. A proximity card is an innovative security system that plays a crucial role in preventing theft and other criminal activities. A proximity card can be read without inserting it into a reader or device. The contactless card uses a low 125 kHz radio frequency to transmit access and consists of a metallic antenna coil that stores the cardholder’s data.

Proximity cards, also known as HID proximity cards, are the ideal addition to workplace security systems where human interaction isn’t always possible. It allows authorized employees to enter the building and limits unauthorized individuals from accessing areas with sensitive data. If you are considering taking your security system to the next level, take some time to learn more about proximity cards.

How Do Proximity Cards Work?

A proximity card contains a pre-defined number identified by a proximity card reader programmed to ‘read’ it and either grant or denies access to a building or area. Proximity card readers use an electromagnetic field to detect nearby cards and transmit data through the reader to the control panel.

Contactless card technology enables users to enter an area without requiring physical identification from security personnel. This limits the number of people that can enter certain areas, which is highly beneficial for businesses that deal with sensitive information, such as healthcare facilities that store patient data.

What Information Does the Card Hold?

Proximity cards cannot hold more data than a magnetic stripe card, but they hold just enough information required to do their job. It only contains the user’s ID number, which is enough to identify the cardholder. If you have the right programming equipment, the cards need to be programmed by your vendor or at your workplace. At Avon Security Products, we offer a range of proximity cards and equipment, and our experts can help you choose the one that best suits your individual needs.

Depending on the reader, proximity cards can generally be read anywhere between three to 20 inches from the reader. The high read range sometimes allows you to tap the card through a wallet or purse, offering easy access to your workplace.

Why Should You Use a Proximity Card?

Proximity cards can add significant value to your company, so here are some reasons to consider implementing the system at your workplace.

Limit Unauthorized Access

Only authorized individuals with proximity cards can enter your workplace or specific areas in the building, reducing the risk of theft, data breaches, and other privacy violations. This also helps employees feel safe in their work environment, knowing that unauthorized individuals cannot enter the area.

Records of Access

Proximity cards can hold information about who accessed a particular area at a given time. If you program the card system to collect this data, you can revisit the data during a data breach or other violation, allowing you to identify who was on-site at the time. A lead private investigator and former federal agent shares that most crimes against businesses are committed by their employees. So, a robust security system can reduce this risk and discourage employees from engaging in fraudulent activities.

Low Risk of Duplication

Since each proximity card is personalized, it is challenging for people to duplicate the card and enter the workplace. The security technology can be invisibly embedded into an ID card, so thieves or intruders cannot identify the technology quickly and are unlikely to duplicate it.

Proximity cards can add immense value to your organization, allowing you to keep the workplace secure and reduce the risk of theft, data breaches and privacy violations. Contact Avon Security Products to learn about the different types of proximity cards available today!

5 Ways to Reduce Theft Over the Holiday Season

Retail store entrance in shopping mall featuring sale sign & mannequins

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year for most businesses, but it can become a bitter experience if you’re a target for theft. While you’re planning holiday parties and checking things off your to-do list, burglars might be looking for ways to fill their wish lists. This often involves inventory theft, store or office break-ins, and data breaches.

Retail stores, among many other businesses, are often the primary target for theft over the holiday season. According to a loss prevention expert quoted in a CTV News article, “the holiday season is typically a heightened time for retail theft.” Despite the challenges of operating during the holidays, here are a few things your company can do to reduce theft during the festive season.

Invest in Security Products

Burglars, cybercriminals, and other individuals or groups who target retail stores during the holidays are constantly evolving to become more experienced in their ability to target businesses. Investing in top-notch security products is the best way to protect your business, employees, and customers. We aim to offer some of the best security products in the country to help you secure your business and stay safe during the holidays and beyond.

Make Sure to Lock Up

It’s important to be vigilant about locking up your office or store during the holidays when you’re not around. When leaving the workplace after your shift ends, make sure to utilize your security system and lock the space.

You should also lock the door and areas with valuable items or sensitive information when going on break or leaving an area unattended. Criminals often look for vulnerabilities in security systems, enabling them to prey on businesses that forget to lock stores or leave room for data breaches.

Carefully Choose Seasonal Staff

The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for many businesses, so you may need to hire seasonal staff to complete important tasks. Although the staff will be a part of your team for a limited time, it’s important to carefully select them to reduce security threats. When you hire seasonal staff, look into their work references and confirm if they are suitable for the position.

Once you’ve hired seasonal staff, offer proper training to help them get familiar with the work environment. In addition to basic training on how to complete their tasks, it also involves security training. Encourage your seasonal staff to use the ID cards your company provides. Avon Security Products offers top of the line ID card printers that you can use to issue unique ID cards to seasonal staff.

Hire Security Personnel

Hiring experienced security personnel during the holidays can add an extra layer of safety to your organization. Look for security management companies that work with professional security personnel and hire someone with relevant experience. Adding a security professional to the team will ensure that criminals cannot leave the store or office with valuables or might steer clear of your workplace after noticing the different levels of security.

Identify Common Threats

It can be challenging to prevent security threats if you aren’t aware of them. Take time to familiarize yourself and your employees with the biggest security risks during the holidays. This can help you implement strategies to prevent them from occurring.

Encourage your employees to learn about threats and stay prepared for unexpected situations by offering incentives. This may include incentives. A 2018 Cornell University study found that offering immediate rewards to people can increase intrinsic motivation. This is because immediate reward strengthens the association between the activity and the goal of the activity, making people feel like the task is rewarding, and motivating them to complete it.

The holidays come with great responsibility for many businesses. Don’t add to the burden by neglecting security threats! Contact the experts at Avon Security Products to find the ideal solutions to reduce theft over the holiday season.

Secure Your Store: How to Deal with Black Friday Shopping Madness

Two women holding shopping bags getting off an escalator in a mall

Black Friday is one of Canada’s popular holiday sales periods when shoppers flock to stores to secure the best deals and discounted products or services. As retail stores witness stores packed with customers, keeping track of every individual entering and exiting the store can be challenging, increasing the risk of shoplifting. Shoplifting is already a prevalent police-reported crime in Canada, and the violation increased in several provinces between 2020 and 2021.

It’s crucial for your store to maximize security procedures during the Black Friday shopping madness to ensure that your merchandise, employees, and customers remain safe during the busy season. Here are a few things you can do to secure your store. 

Upgrade Security System

If you haven’t updated the security system in your store for a while, it can be beneficial to complete the task before Black Friday. Outdated security will not offer the best service when protecting your store, especially if your system doesn’t include advanced technology and innovative features.

Incorporate a few innovative features during the upgrade, such as smart ID cards, an efficient surveillance system, and security alarms. Taking advantage of the latest technology will protect your store and reduce the theft risk. For example, upgrading your ID card system and using ID badges from Avon Security Products can enhance security at your store. You can embed innovative features, such as watermarks and magnetic stripes, to boost security or provide employees with accessories to encourage them to use their IDs.

Hire Security Personnel

Retail stores are jam-packed during Black Friday, and it can be challenging for sales associates to help customers find products while keeping an eye on shoplifters. So, it can be helpful to hire security personnel that guard the place and ensure that no one leaves with items they didn’t pay for, reducing the risk of potential harm to other customers.

Provide ID Cards to Temporary Employees

Many retail stores hire temporary or seasonal employees during the holidays to keep up with the long list of tasks during the busy season. It’s important that you provide temporary employees with employee ID cards that allow you to identify the new staff members. You can use advanced features, such as magnetic stripes, to designate different levels of security clearance for different cardholders. This will ensure that your permanent employees can access restricted areas while temporary staff members have limited access.

Train Employees About Risks

You cannot secure your store effectively if your employees aren’t familiar with the potential security risks during Black Friday. Before the busy day approaches, take some time to introduce a training program for new employees or refresh your old employees’ memories regarding the risks to avoid. If all employees are aware of the risks and potential methods to handle them, it will be easier for them to take the right approach when they encounter a security threat.

How Avon Security Products Can Help

At Avon Security Products, we offer a wide range of support to help you secure your retail store and handle the madness during Black Friday. Explore our different options and speak to one of our experts if you’re having trouble deciding on the perfect system or accessories for your store.