6 Security Guard Company Innovations That Rock

I recently wrote an article in which I quoted an executive from the Kellogg’s Company.  That executive told me that “If you aren’t innovating you’re dying”.  That article started me thinking about how security guard companies use innovation to sell their services. Like that Kellogg’s executive, I think that innovation is critical for any company looking to achieve healthy growth.  Unfortunately, during many of my conversations with security guard companies I rarely hear about exciting or innovative projects.  Especially ones that differentiate them from their competition or improve their quality of service.
In fact, a majority of the companies that I talk with believe that their training, hiring practices, or their responsiveness to customers is what sets them apart.  Don’t get me wrong, training, hiring, and responsiveness are all important functions for any company that would like to be successful.  But the problem is, all security companies are saying the same thing, so it is hard to use those functions as differentiators.  It might work if some companies told customers “We don’t believe in training”, “We’ll hire anyone with a pulse”, or “When you call just leave a message and we’ll eventually get back to you”.  But that doesn’t happen, right? With that being the case, innovation for security guard companies is more important than ever. Being able to develop new products or processes helps your company build your brand and also provides a unique selling proposition.  Here are just a few examples of companies who have developed products or processes that have struck me as innovative.

Innovation In Personnel

G4S: Custom Protection Office (CPO) Although I wasn’t in the security guard industry when G4S introduced its CPO program, I have talked with other professionals who were.  At that time the CPO was a leap forward in the way that security guard contractors were providing service.  The CPO program gave G4S’ customers a higher quality officer based on education and experience.  This was a great way of innovating around something that most companies probably could have done…but didn’t.

Innovation In Processes

Securitas: Connect/Vision Despite how you may feel about Securitas’ Connect/Vision, it is another great example of an innovative idea.  When it was introduced, what wasn’t innovative about using technology to provide helpful reports such as exception status, incident status, and daily activities just by logging into Securitas’ website? US Security Associates: Security Information Systems Although Securitas had a great idea in using technology to turn officers’ activities into information, US Security Associates has taken it to another level with their new Security Information System (SIS)®.  In addition to basic reporting functionality, SIS provides a web-accessible dashboard of compliance information relating to security staff processing, training, and quality assurance.  Way to go! Signal 88: Franchising Signal 88 is another example of a company that took something any other company could have done, but created something that was truly innovative.  McDonald’s and other companies have been franchising for decades, but in my humble opinion, Signal 88 has made franchising a viable concept in the security guard industry.  If leveraged properly, Signal 88 customers will have access to a network of security experts and resources that can provide them with customized security solutions.

Innovation In Technology

CPS: Mobile Surveillance Units Kudos to CPS for developing a service built around a suite of mobile surveillance units.  The ability to provide a portable visual deterrent that can either replace or complement traditional guard service is a great option for buyers with smaller security budgets.  I would imagine that this is a great option for construction sites or remote locations. Per Mar: Video Monitoring Although not as “technologically cool” as CPS’ mobile surveillance service, Per Mar’s use of Video Monitoring to provide their clients with a “Virtual Guard” definitely deserves a mention.  Like CPS’ technology, Per Mar’s video monitoring becomes a way to reduce overhead in man hours and can complement their security guard services. I believe that each of these is a great example of innovation.  But keep in mind that developing a new product or service will not guarantee your company’s success.  However, what it will do is create a point for conversation with your current clients and prospects.  Even if they don’t buy into that innovation, you have begun the process of setting yourself apart from the competition.  If you would like us to show you how OfficerReports.com can help you differentiate yourself from your competition please contact us. Would you consider these companies innovative? If you disagree with my assertions please feel free to leave a comment.  Additionally, are you or your company doing something innovative to help attract new customers?  If so I would love to hear about it. security-guard-company-innovation By Courtney Sparkman
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