A Better Buyers Guide.

FOR TWELVE YEARS, the Security Industry Buyers Guide has been the primary resource for details on products and services available to all sectors of the security industry. Since the guide's inception in 1988, ASIS has produced this valuable member benefit with a publishing partner. In late 1999, however, ASIS took full control of the publication, and the first ASIS edition will be unveiled in September during the ASIS 46th Annual Seminar and Exhibits in Orlando.

This change is great news--for ASIS members and for the industry as a whole. The book is now under the aegis of the ASIS communications department, which can ensure that it meets the same high standards readers have come to expect from Security Management, ASIS Dynamics, and other ASIS publications.

What will change? To ensure that the revised guide meets industry needs, we went directly to users. A questionnaire served as a starting point for discussions with focus groups held with ASIS members throughout the United States. (You also can participate by responding to the same questionnaire, now online.)

We also talked extensively to suppliers, asking them what they want potential and current customers to know about them and how the Buyers Guide can bring buyers and sellers together. And we received written feedback from an advisory board of long-time Buyers Guide advertisers.

All responses pointed to the need for specific changes, such as updated categories and more user-friendly indexing. A new listing questionnaire was prepared so that more detailed information could be obtained from all suppliers, including a description of what brands a supplier sells, manufactures, installs, services, or specifies. Questions also focus on what primary industries and geographic territories a company serves.

The way the Buyers Guide is organized will change as well. A new "Quick Index" will be added, and all companies will be listed "A to Z" in Yellow Pages style. Extensive references will send users to detailed listing information, often presented in an easy-to-read grid format. At least 1,000 new companies have been added to the database, and the editors are contemplating ways to add even more value to its content. Numerous comment cards also will be inserted throughout the guide to give users an easy way to let us know how future editions can be improved.

What will not change? As always, companies will not pay to be listed in the Security Industry Buyers Guide, although advertising opportunities are available. A company representative can obtain a free listing questionnaire by calling 301/482-0331. The questionnaire asks for qualifying information, such as references and major projects completed, and requires the signature of a company official.

The Buyers Guide will also continue to be a free benefit of ASIS membership; one copy will be sent to Society members. Additional copies can be purchased at a special discounted ASIS member rate.

What comes next? The Security Industry Buyers Guide is a rich database that will be invaluable to security decision makers in the 21st century. We are exploring options for delivery of this data in new formats--for specific industries, product specialties, geographic regions, or related markets. Plans will unfold over time and will give users the benefit of the latest publishing technologies.

Meanwhile, you can help in several ways: First, go to www.securitymanagement.com and share your thoughts about how the guide can be improved by filling out the online questionnaire. Second, while online, look for information on being listed and on advertising. Third, make sure you reserve a special spot on your bookshelf by September. You'll want the new ASIS Security Industry Buyers Guide within easy reach as your key resource for matching security buyers and sellers.