Are you investing in security wisely?
By Marc-André Aubé, President and Chief Operating Officer, GardaWorld Protective Services, Canada
Selecting a security provider based on pricing alone compromises public safety.
AVIATION SERVICES
AVIATION SERVICES
Investing in an integrated security program leads to a safer environment and a positive ROI – a win-win partnership.
PROTECTIVE SERVICES
PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Prior to issuing a service proposal, security professionals evaluate client-specific needs, and what is required to meet them, in order to determine an associated cost. These assessments, if done correctly, allow long-term decision makers to choose their security provider wisely and responsibly. Some organizations nevertheless are deprived of this expertise and instead opt to use the concept of the lowest compliant bidder, meaning the decision relates exclusively to the price. Such an approach is not only unjust, but ultimately, counter-productive.
The calculation should be simple: wage rate + margin = rate billed. Ideally, pricing is based on two sides of the balance beam: the first – altering wages – is an ethical problem, the second – compromising margins – reduces the quality of services rendered.
Above all, we must stop classifying security as a mere commodity and instead consider it a strategic investment. In a nutshell, investing in security is to minimize risk and insurance costs, improve customer service and user satisfaction, reduce instances of theft and loss of assets, and prevent accidents at work. As with any investment, the price variable cannot be at the root of the decision. Businesses must examine bidders’ complete portfolio of services, or in other words the quality behind their cost.
You might not always notice us, but we are the world’s largest privately-owned security firm.
You might not always notice us, but we are the world’s largest privately-owned security firm.
Bidders who are prepared to drastically compromise their margins sacrifice in their recruiting, training, health and safety, performance evaluations, and sometimes shockingly, all of the above as a result. In the short run, saving $15,000 by selecting the lowest bidder can represent a loss of $100,000 in administrative and operational fees.
This is why, at GardaWorld, we commit to responding to request for proposals transparently by detailing our quality. We have the experience and expertise to recruit and train employees, allocate technological resources, manage operational teams, and support invoicing systems in an efficient and effective manner. We see our customers as business partners. Together we strive to establish an integrated security program based on the ROI it generates for our clients.
We manage billions of dollars of cash transactions daily, safeguard millions of people and assets and provide screening for 70% of the passengers flying in and out Canada.
We manage billions of dollars of cash transactions daily, safeguard millions of people and assets and provide screening for 70% of the passengers flying in and out Canada.
For these reasons, to agree to the concept of the lowest compliant bidder is self-deprecating, for service providers themselves, their employees, and the general public. Private and public organizations should not have to resort to a war between price (lowest bidder at $14-18/h) vs. quality (police officers at $80-120/h). Competent private security firms offer a middle ground that allows clients across Canada to benefit from a higher-quality service offering that is also easy on their wallet.
Outsourcing security doesn’t just bring benefits to the private sector. When implemented with rigor and common sense, outsourcing is equally capable of making a significant contribution to public services.
Outsourcing security doesn’t just bring benefits to the private sector. When implemented with rigor and common sense, outsourcing is equally capable of making a significant contribution to public services.
At GardaWorld, we have the capacity and capability to deal with large government contracts – and have already established rigorous compliance and government models to meet regulatory standards. We have built our presence in our societies and proven our worth across Canada to a range of different stakeholders, from public officials to citizens.
At GardaWorld, we have the capacity and capability to deal with large government contracts – and have already established rigorous compliance and government models to meet regulatory standards. We have built our presence in our societies and proven our worth across Canada to a range of different stakeholders, from public officials to citizens.
Security program objectives tracked by monthly key performance indicator metrics can set contract standards. A loss prevention team can save millions in retail inventory. On-site access control can reduce instances of theft. A health and safety program can diminish accidents in an industrial environment. Hospital patrols can allow healthcare staff to focus on providing care to patients. These examples illustrate tangible results that an integrated security program can offer, and they are only the tip of the iceberg. It is not solely about how much you invest in security, but rather how you invest. We have a team of security experts who work hand-in-hand with our clients to manage their investment while adapting to the ever-changing security environment.
Regardless of the situation, the added value of our security services, and the return on investment they generate, are at the heart of our business model.
You might not always notice us, but we are the world’s largest privately-owned security firm.
We manage billions of dollars of cash transactions daily, safeguard millions of people and assets and provide screening for 70% of the passengers flying in and out Canada.
Outsourcing security doesn’t just bring benefits to the private sector. When implemented with rigor and common sense, outsourcing is equally capable of making a significant contribution to public services.
At GardaWorld, we have the capacity and capability to deal with large government contracts – and have already established rigorous compliance and government models to meet regulatory standards. We have built our presence in our societies and proven our worth across Canada to a range of different stakeholders, from public officials to citizens.
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If these numbers are increasing, the security department can argue for improvements to the program, involving more resources, better technology, or increased staffing.
Getting started can be challenging, this is where an experienced security consultant can be of service. Consultants who have implemented security programs, and audited or otherwise measured them, are well-positioned to provide advice on the best metrics relative to the security department’s overall goal.
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To be effective, security metrics have to be treated as an ongoing process of measurement of the security program. What was working 6 months ago may no longer work now, the security risk environment may have changed, or the businesses tolerance for risk has shifted. The more accurate the data, the easier it is to make adjustments to the program and prove to management the changes are effective.
Once data is collected, it can be analyzed to determine what benefits are being created for the business, and how much the business is spending. A gut feeling that the security department is underfunded or understaffed rarely convinces the executive team. But a robust analysis based on carefullycollected metrics can prove that the department needs more resources in order to achieve its goals.
authority even if the numbers aren’t relevant or appropriate. We need to be careful which metrics we use, ensuring the business case for the security department makes sense.
There are two key things to keep in mind when implementing security metrics. First: what is the security program meant to achieve? Ideally, this is a higher-level discussion than within the security department, involving senior management. In the best-case scenario the security department’s role is advisory, within a formal mandate determined by manage-
Canada’s leading provider of security solutions
Robert Hastings is a Senior Consultant at G4S Canada’s Corporate Risk Division and is a risk and physical security professional with 17 years of industry experience. Robert is a recognized expert in the area of using metrics to measure and drive security program success.
G4S designs & deploys comprehensive security programs
G4S provides specialized security personnel, management and software to accelerate safety and security programs to new levels of performance. We offer a variety of security personnel services backed by rigorous recruitment standards and robust training programs. Our integrated technology, including Secure Trax™ and RISK360®, enables customers to proactively manage their security personnel and incidents. These technologies enable real-time reporting and data collection, facilitating the measurement of your security department.
To learn more about G4S, contact us today: www.g4s.ca • 1-888-717-4447 • solutions@ca.g4s.com
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Time & Attendance
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As our business grew and got more complex, Timegate was there to help. We added more functionality as we
The company behind Timegate, Innovise really understand our industry. Their specialist knowledge was really advantageous for us and the (Timegate) software was a perfect fit as a result.
Pricing is simple. Costs are easy to plan in. We’re really happy.
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