2017 security trends: Increased role of technology integration and robotics

The year 2017 has been a banner one for physical security with the advent of increasingly sophisticated technology to manage threats. As we approach 2018, the field widens with regard to solutions that will expand the capability of security teams seeking ways to shore up their risk exposure and expand situational intelligence. Here’s a recap of milestones and areas we see as important in the new year.

Technology integration

Technology integration played an even greater role in the marketplace. Recognising this, Allied Universal rolled out our Global Security Operations Center as a Service offering (GSOCaaS) and named several collaborative partners at ASIS 2017.

Available in the company’s Monitoring and Response Center (MaRC), based in Richardson, Texas, the driving force of GSOCaaS is Swan Island Network’s TX360® situational awareness and threat intelligence platform and ThreatMinder’s social media monitoring product combined with our MaRC analyst and operator infrastructure. The new GSOC offerings also include LiveSafe mobile safety communications software and Groupdolists, a platform that digitises the operating procedures and processes of Security Operations Centers.

Working with robotics and drones

While we initiated our first robotic partnership with Knightscope a year ago and deployed the technology in 2017, we are continually adding to our arsenal of advanced security solutions. We will be working with additional robotics providers and have formed a strategic partnership in the realm of unmanned systems, including drones, and artificial intelligence. Robots and drone technology can supplement existing guarding services, improve situational awareness and drive efficiency across the enterprise for the right application.

Partners in Employment programme

Because of the current healthy U.S. economy and high employment rates, the security sector has had to get creative to expand talent pools. Therefore, we launched the Partners in Employment Community-Based Program to tap into local resources to fulfill various security professional, field and management positions. We will promote this programme throughout 2018 and also work to educate clients about the need to maintain competitive wages in the security sector.

Businesses are turning to their security companies to deliver best practices and technology to prepare and prevent threats, minimise risk and keep their employees and assets safe. In an ever-evolving and complex world, the security sector will continue to cultivate talent and partnerships to take on our expanding role.