Overview of the Private Security Sector
Private security companies are highly competitive and fragmented.
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Large companies offer advanced, integrated security solutions at a high cost, combining expertise, security professionals, technology, and data analytics.
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Most mid-sized companies offer primarily human protection with some technology.
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Small companies at the bottom offer low-skilled human guards at a very low price.
Rising Expectations and Technological Changes
Growing security requirements have raised customer expectations, while technological trends continue to evolve.
How to stay ahead of the curve is a common question for security companies, large and small. As a starting point for answering this question, here are three key factors to consider.
1. Regulation and Compliance
As this is a labor-intensive and high-risk sector, more and more local authorities are paying attention and intensifying their efforts to address issues such as worker safety and well-being, technology adoption, security and privacy, and more.
They develop evaluation criteria for security agencies to better differentiate those willing to invest in training and technology and provide high-quality services.
For example, Safe Work Australia's general guide to managing cash-in-transit security risks emphasizes the importance of a communication system in protecting security professionals. Therefore, compliance with regulations becomes an essential requirement to stay in the game, especially in mature and developed markets.
2. Competencies and Training
Security companies have begun to see a shift toward a more robust and comprehensive skill set for their security guards. These changes are occurring at the same time as the roles of security guards are changing.
As essential company assets, security guards provide valuable frontline customer service. Investing in the skills of security professionals is key to delivering differentiated and improved services.
3. Technology and Equipment
Security companies are required to react quickly to threats, act flawlessly without compromising the safety of assets or personnel, and offer solutions that facilitate effective teamwork and smooth operations. To perform their duties better and more professionally, security guards need sufficient equipment for security operations, such as radios, recording devices, and more.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Technology Partner
A key factor for a security company to outperform its competitors is choosing the right technology partner. In a world dominated by smart devices, it will be essential to select a provider that can offer integrated communications solutions, including hardware as well as cloud-based and on-premise communication systems.
Integrated Communication Solution
The integrated communications solution offers security agencies more than just a product and a service, including communication devices and a unified management platform. Security guards need security guard radios to ensure a rapid response to any threat.
Previously, land mobile radios (LMR) or two-way radios were used, which required a significant initial infrastructure investment. Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC or PTToC) radio leverages existing LTE and Wi-Fi networks, reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for additional infrastructure. Additionally, PoC radios allow personnel to perform tasks such as video conferencing and GPS tracking, facilitating comprehensive security management.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Radio Communication System
A key point to keep in mind when choosing a private communications solution for your security organization is that you need a total solution and an enabling platform, not just a few devices. In addition to two-way radios or PoC radios, you need a unified communications platform that integrates various PPT, PoC, and PTT subsystems over Wi-Fi into a centralized system. This platform provides unified communications, data storage and retrieval, and analytics.
