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How to Reduce Security Costs Without Compromising Safety: Practical Tips for Businesses

How to Reduce Security Costs Without Compromising Safety: Practical Tips for Businesses

Why Security Costs Continue to Rise for Businesses in 2025

Many companies in Latvia experience rising security costs year after year. This is normal — technology evolves, security requirements increase, and employee salaries grow. The good news is that by smartly optimizing processes, it is possible to significantly reduce expenses without sacrificing security quality.

Main Factors That Influence Security Costs

  • Number of security guards and frequency of patrols

  • Size of the premises and risk level

  • Required equipment

  • Need for 24/7 security

  • Client-specific requirements

Common Mistakes That Increase Security Service Costs

  • Assigning guards to areas where cameras would be sufficient

  • Overly long shift schedules

  • Incorrect zoning of the premises

  • Inappropriate equipment (too expensive or too weak)

How to Optimize the Number of Security Guards Without Increasing Risk

The organization of guard work is one of the most important factors influencing security service costs for businesses.

The Importance of a Security Audit

A professional security audit is the first essential step. It determines:

  • where a guard is truly needed

  • where technical systems are sufficient

  • which areas are low-risk

A professional audit can reduce the number of guards by 10–40%.

Proper Zoning of Premises

Many companies overspend by treating the entire territory as equally critical. In reality:

  • critical zones – require human supervision

  • medium-importance zones – video surveillance

  • low-importance zones – motion sensors

This approach helps businesses save thousands of euros per year.

Smart Response and Patrol Scheduling

Not all sites require a constant 24/7 physical presence. In some cases, it’s enough to use:

  • dynamic patrols

  • random checks

  • remote video monitoring

This can reduce costs by up to 50%.

 

How Do You Reduce Security Costs Without Sacrificing Safety? Practical Tips for Companies

Why Security Costs Continue to Rise for Companies in 2025

Many businesses in Latvia feel that security expenses keep increasing year after year. This is normal — technology evolves, security requirements change, and employee wages rise. The good news is that with smart process optimization, it is possible to significantly cut costs without losing security quality.

Main Factors Affecting Costs

  • Number of guards and patrol frequency

  • Size of the premises and risk level

  • Required equipment

  • Need for 24/7 security

  • Client-specific requirements

Typical Mistakes That Increase Security Costs

  • Assigning guards to locations where cameras would be enough

  • Excessively long shift schedules

  • Incorrect zoning of the territory

  • Using unsuitable equipment (too expensive or insufficient)

How to Optimize the Number of Guards Without Security Risks

Organizing guard work is one of the key factors influencing the cost of security services for companies.

The Importance of a Security Audit

A professional security audit determines:

  • where a guard is truly needed

  • where technical systems are sufficient

  • which areas are low-risk

A proper audit can reduce the number of guards by 10–40%.

Proper Site Zoning

Companies often overspend because the entire territory is protected equally. In reality:

  • Critical zones — require human supervision

  • Medium-importance zones — video surveillance

  • Low-importance zones — motion sensors

This approach saves companies thousands per year.

Smart Response and Patrol Scheduling

Not all properties require 24/7 on-site presence. In many cases, the following is enough:

  • dynamic patrolling

  • random inspections

  • remote video monitoring

This can cut costs by up to 50%.

How Security Schedules Influence Final Costs

12-Hour vs 24-Hour Shifts

Many companies still use 24-hour shifts, which:

  • reduce guard alertness

  • create more overtime

  • increase costs by 30–40%

A 12-hour shift is the most optimal option for both safety and budget.

How to Optimize Guard Schedules

  • reduce the number of night shifts

  • use shift rotation

  • eliminate “dead hours”

Feratum Life clients often reduce costs by 15–20% with these methods.

Technical Security Solutions That Help Save Money

Modern business security technologies can replace 2–4 guards at once.

Alarm Systems and Their Role in Cost Reduction

A good alarm network:

  • ensures quick response

  • allows eliminating night shifts

  • replaces physical patrols

Video Surveillance as a Substitute for Human Resources

Smart cameras can:

  • detect movement

  • identify unusual events

  • alert the security center

With modern video surveillance, companies save up to 60% of their security budget.

Smart Sensors and Automatic Alerts

They can detect:

  • door and window openings

  • vibrations and impacts

  • glass breakage

These tools significantly reduce the need for physical security.

Combined Security Systems — Physical Guards + Technology

Human + Technology Synergy

The most effective approach is a combination of:

  • 1 guard + camera network + alarm system

  • remote monitoring + random patrols

This method ensures 100% security at lower costs.

When Technical Solutions Alone Are Enough

  • offices with no night activity

  • warehouses with small risk zones

  • fenced areas with sensor systems

In these cases, a guard is not strictly necessary.



How to Get a Better Price From Your Security Service Provider

How to Prepare for Negotiations

  • assess your actual needs

  • calculate your budget

  • define your priorities (what cannot be removed)

Services That Are Often Unnecessary

  • 24/7 physical presence

  • double patrols

  • reinforced shifts during low-risk periods

Flexible Pricing Structure for Businesses

Feratum Life offers individual pricing based on:

  • the size of the property

  • level of risk

  • amount of technical systems

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it possible to reduce security costs without increasing risk?
    Yes, if you combine technical and physical solutions.
  2. Can an alarm system replace a security guard?
    Partially — yes. For many companies, it is sufficient during nighttime.
  3. Is video surveillance expensive?
    Modern systems are affordable and pay for themselves within 3–6 months.
  4. How often should security solutions be reviewed?
    Once a year or after significant changes within the company.
  5. Do security companies offer individual pricing?
    Yes — for example, Feratum Life adjusts pricing based on each specific situation.
  6. Do small businesses really need security services?
    Yes, but often technical solutions are enough without on-site guards.

Conclusions and Professional Recommendations From Feratum Life

To reduce security costs, you don’t have to compromise safety. The key is to assess your needs wisely, optimize guard schedules, and use modern technologies. Combined solutions — alarm systems, video surveillance, and random patrols — provide the best balance between cost and quality.

Security professionals at Feratum Life recommend conducting regular security audits and choosing a partner who can adapt to the specific needs of your company.