How digitization can improve processes and save resources

The impact digitization has on physical security 

Dealing with a flood of data from various sensors, devices, and systems can be overwhelming for physical security operators. It becomes challenging to spot real threats among many events, which can lead to delayed responses. Whether it's a slip-and-fall incident, a security breach, or any unforeseen crisis, operators should be able to easily navigate through a series of protocols with precision.

 

 

Having the right technology can transform incident responses and improve security processes overall—positively impacting resource allocation and data optimization. Here’s how:

Automation helps with compliance and maintenance

Embracing automation in workflows is crucial for ensuring compliance and easing maintenance tasks. Whether it's automating routine processes or streamlining compliance checks, automation reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and enhances operational efficiency.

Incorporating automated solutions enhances threat detection, enables continuous real-time monitoring, improves workflows, minimizes human error, and promotes scalability. And the simplicity of automated access management specifically helps maintain constant vigilance, diminishing risks and facilitating scalability in a rapidly changing work environment.

Dynamic SOPs improve operational efficiency

Having dynamic standard operating procedures (SOPs) helps your operators address the unique demands of each situation, providing them with step-by-step guidance. Whether in a hospital dealing with agitated individuals or during a fire evacuation, dynamic SOPs guide your teams to react appropriately.

A collaborative decision management system lets you set time limits for responses and automates the transfer of incidents to ensure they're addressed quickly. You can define a priority level and maximum response time, and if needed, the system escalates the matter automatically. These features enhance accountability and responsiveness to manage incidents efficiently.

In retail, dynamic SOPs play a crucial role in supporting operators and floor managers. These procedures empower them to respond effectively to situations, including customer incidents, inventory management, and security breaches, ensuring smooth floor management.

As an example, imagine Gatekeeper, a system that secures shopping carts by locking their wheels if products haven't been scanned at the register and are approaching the exit. On the sales floor, the right technology should be able to guide staff through a set of questions, helping them gather essential information about these incidents. Meanwhile, loss prevention managers utilize the same technology to analyze data and identify trends related to Gatekeeper incidents across multiple stores.

A collaborative platform simplifies usage and identifies gaps in training

In the physical security industry, facing operational challenges like turnover and training gaps is common. Providing your operators with technology that enhances their confidence in performing their duties contributes to higher job satisfaction.

Implementing a collaborative decision management system provides on-screen guides with SOPs anytime, anywhere. The tool will also help you understand how your team is doing and where they might need more training.

During monitoring, the system guides your operator to the incident location using interactive maps. Standard operating procedures show up as needed, and video feeds provide more information. Having real-time data on maps can also help identify trends and hotspots.

Your operators don't have to search for this information either—everything they need can be set up to view within maps or widgets. Operators and patrollers can even access the tool on their mobile phones and follow SOPs accordingly. When planning, you can customize your priorities and set up automated workflows.

After an incident, you can review every step and export data for detailed reports to share with stakeholders for further investigation.

Digitization helps make sense of data and optimize procedures

Digitizing procedures not only ensures compliance but also captures valuable data for incident response optimization.

You can use your security data to unveil patterns, such as cameras frequently going offline in a particular building, signaling the need for investment in better equipment. Or if there are consistent slip-and-fall incidents in specific areas, this can prompt proactive measures to address the situation.

The insights obtained can also be instrumental to improve overall security procedures and response. By analyzing environmental factors, you can optimize your security system to make sure incidents are addressed in the best way possible.