International companies often go beyond guard and alarm services

Jul 1, 1998 12:00 PM, NICK WAKEFIELD

Integrated security solutions typically involve the right mix of electronic and guard services. But the needs of businesses are ever-changing, particularly as more companies become international in scope. In order to meet the need for simplification and a single point of contact, today's security companies go significantly beyond guard and alarm services.

The first step in developing a holistic security solution is understanding how the security function is affected by the ebb and flow of business; seemingly unrelated business functions can have security implications. A holistic approach leads to better coordination of services and improved overall security performance.

In our work with a company that deals in television, films, technical facilities and management services, we encountered many of the security challenges of complex multinational businesses. Here are some lessons from that experience: * Guard services. A guard services provider should respond quickly to changing needs. For instance, during construction of new high-tech facilities, the entertainment company's need for security officers fluctuated from four to 40, depending on the value of equipment being installed on a given day. Similarly, the need for security officers by the television production operation varies with the changing filming schedule at the studios. * Pre-employment screening. For companies with special security needs, such as extensive contact with celebrities or work with expensive, portable equipment, routine on-site security measures are not enough. In situations such as these, pre-employment screening, which could include criminal-record checks, drug screening and review of candidates' previous employment history, is an essential. * Security consulting. The opportunity to work in partnership with the security consultant is enhanced when the consultant is invited to provide input during planning stages. Benefits include a more cost-effective design and more integrated security solutions. * Investigations. A company with international operations may find at some point that political or military unrest will overlap business dealings. Coordinated efforts with the U.S. State Department, for example, could help anticipate an outbreak of violence such as recently happened in Indonesia, and appropriate actions could mitigate problems. Similar investigations involving activities in Russia, Japan and Mexico have also proven beneficial. International investigations should not, however, take away from security at home. * Subcontracting. One-stop shopping for a variety of services is another benefit of contract guard companies. A services provider can serve as the primary contact for other services such as janitorial and parking, making life less complicated.

The guard services business is becoming more and more intricate. Services once considered exotic, such as executive bodyguards, are no longer unusual, particularly when overseas work is involved.

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© 2009 Penton Media Inc.

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