As companies continue to navigate through the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic, the security guard industry has been diligently working to put forth tools and technology capable of supporting their business operations through what we all refer to as, “the new normal.” Providing companies with tools that not only enhance remote supervision, track their guards and provide consistent communications, but also maintain safe visitor management interactions which are proven essential now more than ever.

Maintaining a responsive onsite security officer presence while managing from a remote location is now more needed than ever before. While computer security and artificial intelligence may be all the rage, it is more important now than ever before to have a team of well-trained, reliable security guards.

Remotely managing a team of guards: operational hazards that can happen

Due to a rise in the number and type of security threats to businesses, as well as growing public demand for protection when it comes to everyday activities, the security guard services industry is experiencing growth at a significant pace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a five percent increase in the number of guard jobs through 2024, which is already up from an impressive 1.15 million employed guards.

For security firms, remote monitoring isn’t necessarily new and new practice. In fact, this is an essential practice to managing security guards today, now more so due to the pandemic. For companies remotely monitoring a security guard - the focus needs to be around tracking, visualizing and maintaining visibility into the guard’s activity and actions from the main command center. Remote monitoring can provide supervisors the support they need when overseeing large or multiple locations in different areas.

This method of monitoring is mostly used to ensure security guard companies are providing constant visibility on the facilities they are tasked with in securing and meeting contract guidelines identified by the client. This is especially useful for operations requiring remote supervision due to health and safety reasons.

If such a technology was not in place, guard companies could run into situations where there were hours unattended for, areas of buildings that are being overlooked, etc. Mishaps like these could lead to possible crime, unwanted visitors on the property, and more.

What is smart automated security guard technology?

When most consider the future of security guards and the industry in its entirety, some might envision a robot force of security guards or an army of drones that fly over locations to keep it safe. But no, it is a future that cohesively works with technology to not only improve the efficiency of guards, but reporting their activity as well. These tools empower guard teams to better track incidents, patrol routes, and maintain compliant standards.

The industry is working with a new wave of innovation called smart automated security guard technology. This technology assists with tracking, staffing, and much more.

This technology allows enterprises to know which guards are on duty, and provide confirmation that officers are exactly where they are supposed to be, resulting in a safer environment and a better service to clients. It can also provide enhanced operational efficiency by allowing a software system to track guards through smartphone apps, which allows supervisors to track shifts, breaks, patrols and incidents. Resulting in lower costs for your business and improved service to your clients.

Systems like these allow guards to better report on issues and manage incidents. Apps are allowing guards to work with real-time alerts, task management, and more, all from a cell phone or tablet.

What Technologies Can We Expect for the Future of Security Guards?

As security firm owners are currently adopting new strategies daily to ensure the safety and security in this current time, new technologies are continuing to simplify the process for guard companies and making it safer for supervisors and guards to work remotely.

With new tools that enhance remote visibility, track security guards, and provide consistent communications, physical security professionals can ensure that all actions are in favor of maintaining their safety in this new normal. Having automation tools and tracking capabilities will not only help enterprises to be able to plan for future hazards, but also be able to build out the future of the business more successfully and sustainably.