Security services companies that want to succeed need software.
Progressive companies understand the downside to complacency and the upside to innovation.
The security industry is a fast-paced, demanding, and ever-changing industry.
How do companies measure up against industry rivals?
Not understanding the value produced by operations management software proves detrimental to one’s success.
Software, inclusive of incident management, and inspection and guard tour software, provide security services organizations with much-needed tools to be effective in the course of tense situations.
Do you agree?
SOFTWARE ADVANCES SECURITY SERVICES
A key to delivering professional security services starts with security guard training.
Modernizing the training process is accomplished through the use of a platform.
Well-trained guards execute more effectively; therefore building their foundation is mission critical.
Incident management systems and touring systems allow for a unified approach – the ability to talk to one another.
Coupling the process of security checks and recording incidents digitally reduces human error and ensures accountability.
A guard records details from a mobile device, and the details are immediately recorded in the incident management system.
Professional companies that introduce software into their security operations enhance the safety of their security guards through expert training.
By doing so, they enhance the security of their customers from expert delivery by their team.
Providing guards a platform to make their job less stressful increases performance and an organization’s credibility as an industry leader.
Software removes operational challenges currently faced by companies and replaces them with “solutions.”
- Confusing procedures prevent efficiency and effectiveness.
- Incident calls get overlooked due to lack of resources and time to respond.
- Incomplete documentation leads to legal battles and finger-pointing.
- Radio traffic clogs communication lines and prevents the exchange of critical information.
The overall performance of a security operation is directly related to the staff’s ability to quickly respond to incidents, capture accurate and digital reports, check off related inspection items, and report hazards.
REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS REQUIRE A CUTTING-EDGE PLATFORM
Let’s put the value of a platform into perspective.
Below we’ve defined four instances where putting software into place surpasses the use of pen and paper or nothing at all.
Scenario #1: Disgruntled, Terminated Employee
An employee on the property has been terminated.
The business requests security’s assistance with escorting the antagonistic individual off the premises.
The security guard needs the name and photo identification of the correct person to pick up and escort off the property.
How does the supervisor reach guards to communicate this information?
- Without software in place, the supervisor will search the property for the guards, hoping to locate someone in a short timeframe.
- Using a platform, the supervisor attaches the photo identification, makes a few clicks within their incident management system (IMS), sending the information to the guard’s mobile handheld device. The guard acknowledges receipt of the details which is also documented in the IMS.
Scenario #2: Construction Site Flood
While conducting overnight security inspections on a construction site, a security guard identifies broken plumbing and possible water damage.
At 1:43 a.m. waves of water begin flooding the property.
How does the guard handle this situation?
- Without software in place, they search the property looking for the water stoppage valve. The guard attempts to contact someone who might know where the valve is using their cellphone. Water continues to flood the premises, eventually causing extensive water damage.
- Using a platform, the guard inputs the incident into the software then sees the protocol to handle – which includes how to shut off the water and where the stoppage valve is located. With a quick response time, the incident has ended in under two minutes. Using their mobile device, the guard is also able to take pictures of the broken pipe while verifying that they conducted their designated security tour at the scheduled time.
Scenario #3: Last-Minute SOP Change
Clients have certain expectations of performance.
Many also expect their security company to familiarize with requests regarding procedural changes.
A client sends security management – located at the headquarters 25 miles away – a substantial update to current post orders that will drastically affect standard operating procedures for this property.
The client expects all guards on staff to be immediately advised. However, the next shift starts in five minutes.
Management acts promptly to resolve:
- Without software in place, they make a copy and have the road supervisor struggle through afternoon traffic only to arrive onsite an hour later. Much can happen in an hour.
- Using a platform, management amends current protocols in the easy-to-use platform, makes a few clicks, and security guards receive updates for post instructions (protocols to handle) directly to their mobile devices and tablets.
Innovative operations management software closes the disparity between minutes and hours.
The value is in the numbers.
Scenario #4: Crime Scene Witness
Possibly any security guard’s worst nightmare could be witnessing a horrific crime – especially at the end of their overnight shift.
They’re exhausted, stressed out and watching the clock for 6 a.m.
At 4:48 a.m., roughly an hour before the guard’s shift ends, they witness a brutal assault.
The suspect in the attack may have seen them. Although the guard is “trained,” they’re nervous.
As they clinch their fists and start sweating profusely, they decide to:
- Without software in place, call the management office requesting to speak with a supervisor. Dispatch does not respond. At this point the guard is unsure of what to do, and how to take proper action. The nerves have shut down their ability to respond effectively.
- Using a platform, don’t even Instantly grabbing their mobile incident reporting tablet, they input the incident into the device. The protocols to handle this situation populate in seconds. They’re quickly in action and have the ability to document the details, attaching video and pictures to the incident report.
Saving lives and a company’s reputation is stress-free with the implementation of the right software.
OVER TO YOU
Take another look at your operation. Does it have these capabilities? How confident are your security guards? How sure are you?
With the latest demands for the various incident types we illustrated in this article, the need for advanced methods is evident.
Are you delivering security services that even match that of your competitors? Better yet, that outdo them?
Take it from us. Your only way to peace of mind is through proficiency, value, and building unrivaled credibility.
A proactive operations platform helps you achieve all of this.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in February 2015 and has been updated for comprehensiveness and freshness.
