3 Simple Ways to Cut Operating Costs for Security Businesses

Published: April 5, 2018

Table of Contents

[vc_column width=”4/4″] =” [vc_column_inner width=”1/1″]

If you own a company or are the head of a department, you are probably looking into options to reduce costs. Even when revenue is coming in, and even when the business is expanding, there is always pressure to reduce costs.

Experts and technology gurus talk about decreasing costs through robotics, artificial intelligence, drones, RPA and the like. We are constantly told how these will revolutionize our industry and others. However, if you have the responsibility to reduce costs you may want to start considering options that are feasible today. And that’s the focus of this article.

 

No need for Big Data, but gather some relevant data

Gathering data is getting easier with plenty of inexpensive tools. If you’re still using pen and paper, consider getting started with some software –even if it’s as basic as an electronic spreadsheet. The software you use is relevant but what is really important is being consistent.

If you are already doing this you should be able to answer the following:

Do you know which of your services provides better returns? Which one contributes negatively to your cash flow? Who are your top clients and what’s their profile?

If you already know which services are the most profitable at a client level, you are on the right track. You should now be equipped with the business intelligence to cut costs wisely.

 

Have some KPIs

Setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is a good way to measure your processes. It will help you identify what’s a standard performance of a process or task. Once you have this information, you’ll be able to compare the performance of your team. Again, be consistent with your KPIs.

It’s a good business practice to have KPIs that can be reviewed periodically. If you can’t do that for whatever reason, re-design the KPI.

Sales staff bonus: make sure you incentivize your sales team in an adequate manner. Many companies and sales people focus on revenue more than profitability. This is not necessarily a negative approach but it is a common mistake. Simply make sure your company goals are aligned with the bonus schemes for sales staff. Otherwise you’ll end up paying bonuses that add nothing to the bottom line.

 

 Admin Overheads

In addition to the usual obligations (BAS, tax returns, financial reports, etc.) businesses have to cope with other security industry requirements such as recording information for incidents, jobs, keys, and keeping records on all jobs subcontracted to licensees and service providers.

Being compliant is not cheap due to admin costs. The solution BOSS provides is a simple one that will reduce your overheads by more than 50%. In a nutshell, you choose a partnership type (a casual or a dedicated resource) and you liaise with him / her the same way.

 

 

Back Office Shared Services (BOSS) is the only Australian outsourcing and offshoring company who specializes in the Security Industry.

 

 

[BOSSfooterSecurityNew]

Important Disclaimer

This post is general information only – read full note

This article provides general information only and is not intended as accounting, tax, legal or professional advice. Regulatory requirements and interpretations (including under AASB S2, the Corporations Act, and ASIC guidance) evolve over time. As qualified professionals, you will want to review primary sources, apply your own judgement, and seek specialist guidance if needed before applying this to client work or practice decisions. This disclaimer applies to the Content on this website and does not affect the terms of any separate service agreement or engagement for professional services provided by Back Office Shared Services Pty Ltd (BOSS Outsourced Accounting). Back Office Shared Services Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any reliance on this content.

Share this post