Maintenance: the specifier's influence

The paper sets out some points which specifiers may wish to consider when preparing new security system proposals. It recommends that specifiers consider the maintenance requirements of systems and that through life cost comparisons are made when making a choice from a number of potentially suitable options. Experience shows that the lowest capital cost option does not always give the best value for money. The use of the through life cost comparison can identify the most economical solution. Often additional investment at the acquisition stage will result in lower overall costs during the life of the installation. The paper also gives some details of maintenance regimes and recommends that specifiers consider making provision for these when preparing their proposals. For the purpose of the paper the term specifier is intended to include security surveyors, advisors and designers.