Introduction

At any given time, a security operations manager oversees a team of security guards working different shifts on a 24/7 operation across several locations. 

Monitoring goes beyond ensuring that guards perform their task correctly. The manager should be kept abreast of potential threats and rely on his team, especially during unforeseen situations. A gap in monitoring could mean losing reliability, the client’s trust and potentially put your people in harm’s way.  What if there is a way to enhance the manager’s ability to supervise teams remotely to provide the ultimate service delivery?

When security guard tracking becomes a challenge, here is where tested and proven, technology empowered techniques come into play. Try to incorporate these five strategies to improve your security patrol operations.

1. Know the unique parameters of each job site or facility

When it comes to protecting lives and property, it is essential to clearly understand the scope of work involved. This includes a prior inspection of the building entrances, existing checkpoints, foot traffic, presence of high-risk or high-value properties, and other external factors that may affect how the team can fully secure the site.

Armed with this information, the security operations manager can provide a detailed briefing on the site condition, specific tasks to perform, and any protocols that the team needs to be aware of. A security guard tracking system can help to manage, disseminate and track this information correctly. This will help align expectations between the team and the client and empower the guards to perform their tasks with a higher degree of accountability.

2. Organise strict security patrols

Patrolling forms a large part of a security guard’s duties. However, predictable patrols may leave a site more susceptible to security breaches. More recently, security companies are expected to carry out randomised patrols and vary their guard schedules. In spite of these changes, security operation managers and their clients should still have a reliable way to monitor the timing, location, and tasks from each patrol so they can optimise the operation, whenever necessary. 

In this regard, programming randomised patrols into a security guard clocking system allows security operation managers to view patrol assignments, check each guard's GPS location, and receive incident logs in real-time. As data is automatically stored online, security operation managers can have a factual basis to lean on when implementing strategic changes, evaluating guard performance, and streamlining guard schedules. 

3. Address security guards’ needs

Security operation managers would allocate work-related assets to guards as needed for their patrol assignments.  Depending on the terrain and hazards involved in each site, security guards should be provided with proper footgear, personal protective equipment and a tactical belt.  At all times, guards should be equipped with a communication device so they can coordinate and report while on the move.

A guard can be issued a defensive weapon such as a baton or a firearm, depending on their qualification or license. In such cases, a security guard tracking software can document and facilitate the handover of assets to the right security personnel. 

4. Arm security guards with reliable technology

Paper-based incident reports are prone to human error as they often lack context, automatic timestamps and accurate geolocation. But with a modern system, security guards can immediately send reliable digitised reports which managers can effectively utilise for faster decision making. 

SRM-Sentry, a mobile application for guards, enables security guards to access their assigned tasks, call for emergency backup and send quicker and detailed incident reports even in areas with a poor internet connection. Capturing photos and voice recording offers additional insight into a security incident without extra paperwork, thereby improving the speed and quality of a security team’s response. 

5. Set-up your own command centre which you can access through your device

Automation has enhanced many aspects of business operations and security guard operations is not an exception. An automated security management solution can accelerate efficiency and improve delivery of service.

A crucial feature of an automated solution is its centralised dashboard which is helpful for security operation managers due to a number of reasons:

First, it saves up on the cost of hiring additional manpower to supervise remote sites.  This is applicable to organisations with multiple offices that do not need a supervisor present on site.

Second, a security rounds tracker feature allows managers to review security routes, check the completion of patrol checkpoints, and quickly generate reports for clients. The dashboard would also allow managers to command and coordinate with assigned responders on-site.

With a web-based solution such as SRM-Portal, security operation managers will always know where their guards are, the status of the patrol and stay on top of any issues that may arise. SRM-Portal also grants managers access to visitors list on-site - with a real-time summary of the number of visitors, identifications, vehicle plate numbers, temperature scan records or any required information.

Final Thoughts

Improving the way you can track your security team starts by building the right foundation. Get a clear and well-communicated scope of work. Enforce strict routines, equip yourself and your guards with the right tools for the job and utilise technology to gain efficiency and improve accountability.

Security Risk empowers organisations of all sizes with a suite of rapid-response mobile & web applications to make security operations smarter. To know how to best get started with a security guard tracking system, register for a free trial today.