Managing security guards is a job easier said than done. There are several challenges security guard companies face daily, like inadequate training of guards, information overloads and poor communication. When you’re managing security guards, it’s important to be aware of these challenges and how you can handle them. By addressing them, you can build a more effective and responsive security team. In this article we’ll tell you the 7 most common challenges security guard companies face while managing guards and how you can solve these challenges.
Finding and hiring experienced staff can be challenging. Especially with the ever-changing landscape and new technologies that get developed every day. Inadequate skills and training can leave your guards unprepared for emergencies. Obviously, something you do not want.
This is why training of your guards is important to make sure their skills are up-to-date with the new security trends and technologies. Your training programs should cover all the bases as well, from crisis management to emergency response protocols.
Skill shortages aren’t the only challenge, there also lies a challenge in the training of guards on new technologies. They can experience a resistance to change and have varying levels of tech literacy. Additionally, the costs of training can also be a barrier. Even though these costs can be high, training also leads to fewer mistakes, higher client retention and a stronger reputation.
Effective training programs should include hands-on practical training replicating actual work situations, as well as using software and tools that are user-friendly. The easier the software is to use, the faster your guards will be able to adapt to new technologies. This will make their training process more efficient.
One of the most important aspects of managing security guards are communication protocols. Poor communication between guards can undermine even the most robust security operations. Communication protocols don’t necessarily have to be about direct communication between guards. More often than not it’s about the delegation of tasks.
Your guards usually work in shifts, which means that they need to delegate their tasks and important information to the next guard on duty. The real security guard industry challenge here is that companies aren’t always using the right software for logging all activities from the guard on duty so they can easily be delegated to the next guard. Hence the challenge of not having an appropriate response to situations because there is no transparency between your guards.
To combat this security guard industry challenge, it’s important to use an all-in-one security guard management software to make sure that all important information is in one place. The SequriX software makes it possible for your guards to log everything. This gives the next guard on duty all the information they need to carry out their job, but it also makes reporting to the customer easier. As everything is logged, the customer is always aware of the completed work and details. Thanks to SequriX, calling, texting or writing down notes on paper and giving them to security guards is no longer necessary. This minimizes the risk of making mistakes and forgetting crucial tasks.
Another security guard industry challenge is maintaining a high-performance level at all times. This means that all guards should be able to always execute their tasks without leaving any room for mistakes. For managing security guards this is also a challenge as you have to make sure that everyone is doing their job correctly and can be held accountable for the tasks assigned to them. When your workforce grows or when new security threats emerge, it can be a challenge to ensure that all guards you manage are performing at their best.
Maintaining a high-performance level also means being able to maintain a high-quality service for all clients. To do this we recommend using technologies like guard management software to ease the job. SequriX for example makes it possible to digitally plan shifts and task assignments. Thanks to a digital to-do-list within the software your guards always know where to be and what to do. Because everything is tracked there will never be any discussion about certain things. Every guard is perfectly accountable.
Security guards work in high-risk environments, facing potential danger every day. This can include robberies, physical assaults as well as other violent incidents. Lone workers are especially at risk for this as they are an easier target. The challenge lies in protecting your employees.
When managing security guards, it’s important to invest in regular safety training on how guards can protect themselves in dangerous situations. But that’s not the only thing. To combat this security guard industry challenge it’s also important to provide your guards with the right security equipment like a defense weapon, safety boots and more.
When managing security guards, you are responsible for reporting to the client. In turn, security guards need to make reports of their rounds and any security incidents that occur on their watch. Challenges that can arise with this are:
The solution is to use a security guard management software like SequriX. Such software makes it possible to generate digital reports of all activities. This includes extensive incident capturing with photos, contextual categories and text modules. The reports are automatically sent to customers, so they stay up-to-date and receive appropriate security details. It also confirms that you are carrying out your services neatly and professionally.
Another security guard industry challenge is that guards can find themselves overwhelmed with a lot of information from various sources. It can be hard to filter through this information to identify the real threats amidst all the unnecessary data. Not only can guards be overwhelmed with information, the same is true for operational managers that are managing security guards. Next to being overwhelmed with information, they also don’t want to rely on their memory. They have a need for a place that’s always accessible and where they can find all the information they need.
Automation tools, clear protocols for information sharing and collaboration can help with this so critical information gets to the right people at the right time. Software like SequriX can help with this by organizing all tasks in one place, creating insight and overview when managing security guards. As a result, guards also experience a better overview of their tasks and access documents whenever and where needed, which reduces information gaps.
Within the security industry there are a lot of security regulations you need to comply with. This adds another layer of complexity to security operations. When you fail to comply with these regulations it can lead to legal repercussions as well undermining the trust clients have in your company and your reputation.
This is why it’s important to keep informed about the evolving requirements to ensure that you comply with the important regulations in your country. What can help with this security guard industry challenge is implementing robust data governance frameworks and conducting regular audits.
When managing security guards, it’s also important that all your guards are licensed and certified. For this they’ll have to pass strict criteria and regular evaluation.
It may seem that managing guards brings a lot of challenges. While these challenges seem daunting, it’s not hard to overcome them. When you do, you’ll also strengthen your defenses against emerging threats.
To work on these security guard industry challenges, it’s important to have a proactive approach, as well as the right strategies and tools. The all-in-one security guard management software SequriX helps simplify your operations with a user-friendly interface. Curious about how the platform can help you overcome the challenges you face? In our free demo we’ll show you how SequriX can improve your security company.