Companies often advertise professional assessments, but they usually provide only product assessments, offered at little to no cost to attract clients.
The real purpose? To sell security hardware or services that earn the company commissions. In these cases, the “assessor” is really just a salesperson with a checklist.
When these salesperson-assessors visit a property, their focus isn’t on identifying actual security risks. Instead, they’re looking for opportunities to sell products from their inventory. Often, they already know what they’re going to recommend based on what they think the client can afford, not necessarily what the property needs.

This “tick-list” approach creates serious problems.

If the salesperson’s stock doesn’t include a solution for a specific security risk, they usually won’t mention it. After all, highlighting a problem they can’t solve might cost them the sale.
Unfortunately, clients often don’t realize these gaps until after the system is installed. Many sales-focused “advisors” lack understanding of the security products they push. Instead, they depend on product specification sheets and hope clients, often without a security background, will accept quotes without questioning the details. This sales-first approach can leave clients with unsuitable or overpriced solutions, prioritizing profit over genuine security needs. To counter this, independent advisors who prioritize unbiased assessments, like Alwinco, can educate clients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their security investments.

What Makes an Independent Risk Assessor Different?

True security isn’t about selling products; it’s about identifying and addressing security risks. An independent security risk assessor approaches a property with fresh eyes, without any preconceived solutions. They focus on understanding the full scope of threats and weaknesses before even thinking about recommendations.
Unlike sales-driven assessments, an independent security risk assessment goes beyond just hardware. It looks at all the factors that affect security, including intangible elements that are often overlooked but play a critical role in overall safety.

The independent security risk assessor’s goal is functionality, not sales.

They create a detailed, customized security plan that integrates all the necessary components of a reliable system. We provide generic recommendations, allowing clients to choose their preferred brands. Instead of offering product quotes, we deliver a clear report that outlines the security risks, specifies the necessary products, and explains how everything integrates to form a cohesive system.
If a specific product or model is recommended, it’s because thorough research has shown it to be the best in its category—not because someone is earning a commission. And the assessor ensures clients understand the pros and cons of every recommendation, giving them the knowledge to make informed decisions. Ultimately, an independent risk assessment puts the client’s needs first, providing honest, unbiased advice that leads to a stronger, more effective security system.

Note:

Written by Andre Mundell, security risk assessor at Alwinco. # product assessment security risk assessment

If you would like to learn more about our services or need additional information on security risk assessments, please send us an email or visit our website, Security Meetings, and subscribe to our newsletter.

In addition to other major cities in Gauteng, our security risk assessment services are accessible in Arcadia, Bloemfontein, Bluff, Johannesburg, Erand Gardens, and Midrand.

⁣Read more on Know the Difference.