12 Questions To Ask Before You Spec a Guard Booth

Nov 1, 2003 12:00 PM, By Dave King

Establishing the first line of defense between a facility and a threat on its perimeter, the guard station can also define the image of a facility. Here are twelve questions to ask before specifying a guard booth.

#1 What is the real purpose for the booth?

How will it be used both by its occupant(s) and by visitors? The variables here will impact the construction and options included in the booth's manufacture. For instance: What equipment will be mounted in and on the booth such as cameras, monitors, data and communication equipment, water coolers, refrigerator, cabinets, shelves, a toilet and sink?

#2 What are the environmental impact considerations?

How will the structure impact the world around it? Is the booth in the middle of the lane or over to the side? Knowing this can determine the booth size and the overhang size. Remember, overhangs are dangerous in applications where the booth is beside a drive lane. Incorporating the booth seamlessly into its new environment will avoid causing new problems while solving others.

#3 What are the security considerations (both inside and outside)?

Is the booth in a secure location? Will its occupants be exposed to danger? Should bullet-resistance or even radiation protective fabrication of the building be considered? Will the booth need to incorporate traffic calming (military-standard barricade) controls? Will additional barricades be required to protect the booth and its inhabitants?

#4 What will the neighbors say and what will the booth say about your company?

Architectural style is a big discussion point. Make sure the unit style can be constructed in the needed size. If contemplating an installation on an historic property, be aware of The Department of the Interior's Historic Preservation guidelines, and any other prohibition of modern structures on such property. Follow proper channels and obtain required permits to avoid having the structure dismantled and removed.

#5 Will the environment be conducive to work?

Consider the operation or task to be executed inside the booth. Operation affects the external access layout of the booth. Will it be used as a drive-up checkpoint, walk-up, or both? Will deliveries (in large trucks) be checked through this station? These factors determine door location, eave overhang size, and slide window location.

Consider the task flow and movement of the guards or attendants to enable the booth manufacturer to provide the most ergonomically friendly layout. Make sure that the booth builder understands ADA requirements.

#6 How to locate a booth manufacturer?

Because there are many booth manufacturers and design firms in the marketplace, it is important to be discerning. Online architectural directories are a good place to find the tried-and-true firms.

#7 Should you spec pre-fab or stationary traditional construction?

Aside from the usual 25 percent cost savings of pre-fabricated over traditional construction, there are also tax advantages of mobile booths. Because many booths can be completely dismantled, relocated and reassembled or simply moved in one piece, they are classified as “tangible property” of the company.

As a result, the purchase price can be depreciated over seven years. Conventional construction, on the other hand, becomes a permanent addition to the building and is classified as “real property” with a 39-year depreciable life. This difference in depreciation reduces total project cost and improves the bottom line.

#8 How accommodating/knowledgeable is the manufacturer?

When you call, do you receive knowledgeable advice from an expert? Does the firm seek to truly learn your needs and make suggestions on features you hadn't considered? What services do they offer in addition to manufacturing the booth? Do they offer solutions that save money without sacrificing quality? Do they have catalogs and brochures to send you? Do they provide options and variations within each category of booth? What does the Web site look like?

#9 What do their current and past customers say?

Would they hire them again? Are their references and the kinds of customers they have worked for varied? Are they extensive? Can you visit their booths at an installed site nearby?

#10 Can they accommodate custom work and design-build?

Make sure the supplier can accommodate truly custom work — which means actually following your specifications.

#11 Do they offer follow-through and warranted workmanship?

Will the manufacturer guarantee their work? Will they be there to make adjustments after the installation if necessary?

#12 Do they offer firm pricing and guarantee it for six months?

The manufacturer should be interested in competing for your business and be eager to submit a response to a Request for Proposal for a private client. Government agencies will want to work with a manufacturer who is knowledgeable about and has a current contract with the General Services Administration. This ensures that any price schedules and bids submitted to the federal government or other approved government agency are the lowest possible price and that the manufacturer is approved to provide the agency with a pre-fabricated structure. All prices should include a firm freight cost, power and foundation requirements, as well as weight and installation instructions.

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For the Record

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dave King has 21 years of experience in the guard booth industry as vice president of B.I.G. Enterprises Inc., South El Monte, Calif.

Share your story…

Every month, we are offering information about managing guard services and leading in-house staff. Among other things, this page will offer an opportunity for readers to share the management lessons they have learned and to provide other helpful information to their peers in the industry. To offer suggestions, or to contribute to this page, contact Jennifer Pero at (770) 618-0135 or e-mail jpero@primediabusiness.com

Lettuce Protect You

Bruce Palmer, a former law enforcement officer and security manager for Tanimura & Antle Produce in Salinas, Calif. — the largest independent lettuce grower and distributor in the United States — was concerned about food safety in the aftermath of Sept. 11.

“We needed to establish a perimeter to control access to our plants,” Palmer said. “We also wanted to keep out the potential terrorist who might try and contaminate our product.”

Tanimura & Antle Produce has a history of continuous growth and careful expansion. They wanted a gatehouse that would be weather-tight, attractive and moveable.

After identifying the most vulnerable areas of the site, Palmer turned to South El Monte, Calif.-based B.I.G. Enterprises Inc. to discuss options and requirements of purchasing a gatehouse model he had seen on their Web site.

Next, he received photographs and sample floor plans. Once Palmer decided on the booth styles he thought would work best, he called to place his order.

“We were able to shut down the road and control access to the plant, and that had been impossible before we had the guard booth,” Palmer said. “Our customers and growers are visually assured of the seriousness with which we take security.”

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