With the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and digital transformations, our future relationship with technology is both fascinating and uncertain. Enhanced security technology is set to be one of the biggest tech trends of 2018, but what does this mean for the security guard industry?
Technology continues to transform the world of business in significant ways, and new and innovative devices are launched all the time. Here are three trends in the security guard industry to watch out for in 2018, and how they’ll affect the security guard industry on a global scale.
Increased Equipment specialization
Many security guard firms once took on clients in a wide variety of industries. Today, however, as the security guard industry continues to grow, we’re seeing more specialization in industries such as airports, places of worship, schools, retail environments and hotels, among others. Specialized security equipment gives security firms a way to set themselves apart from competitors.
From an insurance standpoint, equipment specialization is a very positive development. By eliminating risks of working in lesser equipped atmospheres and providing guards with the type of industry-specific security equipment needed results in decreased risks and incidents.
Remote video monitoring
Companies that contract security services are increasingly asking for remote video monitoring in lieu of live security guards. While the cameras and other equipment require an upfront investment, these companies believe remote monitoring is an effective way to reduce security costs over the long term. It’s also important to have a security station, security desk, or security podium that can accommodate video monitoring equipment.
However, cameras cannot always see every nook and cranny the way a live guard can, so some crime may go undetected. As a result, contracts need to be worded with specific “hold harmless” or “liquidated damages” language related to the limitations of video cameras. Otherwise, the guard firm could be opening itself up to liability in the event a crime goes unseen by the camera.
Increased Security Guards – Not Always the Human Kind
It doesn’t look as though human security guards are going to be replaced by robots anytime soon. However, the emergence of robotic security devices could enable security companies to do more with fewer people on the ground.
The University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom is currently undergoing a $12.2 million pilot project, the aim of which is to place robot security guards in offices all over the world, starting with Bob: the first robotic security guard in the UK. Currently, Bob patrols the headquarters of G45, the world’s largest provider of human security guards, but it seems there is no limit to where this project could take the industry as a whole.
An increased demand for security guard companies also means that more companies will need to look for new workers as they expand their business. Finding the best employees is always a challenge, especially in an environment where workers are in high demand.