FOCUS SECURITY
GIVE US THE TOOLS
Tom Ward, a security expert at Anabas, introduces the new and emerging
technologies set to transform manned security services
Technology in security is on the rise,
and there are numerous emerging
technologies and tools to support the
role. New developments are undoubtedly
improving processes and performance;
however, it doesn’t have to be a choice
between man and machine. It’s more
about enhancing the services being
delivered than replacing manned security
guards and teams.
Automated systems cannot match
the knowledge, intuition and allimportant
human contact that is
integral to the role of a security
guard. They can however,
improve visibility, reduce
human error, save time and
deliver many more benefits.
A good system to manage the
workforce is imperative. Many of
the new systems now available are
web-based and there are a number
of dedicated apps designed for this
purpose. While FM has CAFM, security has
a workforce management system. These
systems can be used to manage schedules
and uniform requirements, provide a quick
and easy way for guards to book on and
o‹ , and enable o‹ icers to send and receive
important messages from anywhere, allowing
them to be mobile and not tied to a desk.
In addition, they can be used to make
welfare checks or calls, which is especially
30 JULY 2019
vital for single-crewed locations. Guards can
also set their own reminders to check in,
eliminating the need for someone to check
in on them. Intelligent geo-fencing around a
building can also provide proof of presence
within a certain distance.
While the purpose of security is to protect
assets, people and brands, the welfare of
the security sta‹ themselves is paramount.
Because of this, proof of presence apps are
on the rise and new technology can
read radio frequency identification
(RFID) tags and work using
smartphones and tablets.
They have the ability to log
presence and can be fully
bespoke and programmable
to suit individual oganisations’
requirements. These paperless
systems can be used to provide
the necessary welfare checks,
providing peace of mind and saving
time while reducing waste.
Not only can these types of systems be
used to help manage sta‹ , they can also
empower teams by giving them control.
SECURITY MANAGEMENT TOOLS
Security management tools which can be
accessed across the web and mobile devices
will help support increases in productivity and
in the volume of reporting when compared
to paper and web-only solutions. In addition,
they can help to save time, eliminate
human error and provide traceability, as all
information and incidents are logged in the
cloud rather than written by hand. This can
also improve safety and provide a reliable
trail of information for auditing purposes.
Finally, these tools can help the control
room to perform better and improve overall
communication.
Utilising these apps increases mobile
capability and can be used to enhance
incident reporting, allowing your security
team to upload supporting images and
real-time comments. For example, a broken
window or leak can be logged, reported
online and a message sent to the helpdesk
for quicker resolution. These capabilities can
also be used to log any suspicious activity and
allows the guard to photograph and circulate
an image of any questionable individuals,
raising an immediate alert to control the
problem.
Another area where technology can support
security management is the use of electronic
key presses in security control rooms. Manned
guards are responsible for multiple sets of
keys during a shiž , and managing keys can be
a slow and laborious task as each key must
be logged out and put away before and až er
every use. The introduction of automated
systems can reduce human error and save
significant time, strengthening your security
service and streamlining daily operations.
Paper-based duty occurrence books (DOBs)
are used daily in control rooms to log time
and critical steps, detail movements and
provide a running log of all activity. Cloudbased
electronic DOB sož ware o‹ ers an
alternative solution that can be used across
PCs, smartphones and tablets.
Once again, this technology o‹ ers
real-time information reporting, improves
communications with the control room
and delivers full traceability. It can be used
to escalate incidents and eliminate human
error. DOB systems can be used by multiple
users, providing numerous benefits and a
continuous feed of information. All entries
are logged by date and cannot be altered or
removed, ensuring peace of mind.
The systems outlined above are already
spreading across the industry; however,
there are a few still emerging which are worth
watching. These include facial recognition
at barriers, auto number plate recognition
(ANPR), security bots and drones. Virtual
security is also on the rise, and remote
response via technology is set to increase.
It goes without saying that technology
should be embedded in all businesses. It
can significantly enhance service delivery,
allowing security to focus on their core tasks
rather than tick boxes. But while it comes
with many benefits, nothing will ever replace
real human interaction or service with a smile
– so vital to a positive customer experience.
Not only can these
types of systems be used to
help manage staff , they can
also empower teams by
giving them control.”