From 1760, when the world witnessed the first Industrial Revolution to today’s Industrial Revolution 4.0, it is safe to say that we have come a long way in our approach to technology in any operation. Over the last few years, we have seen technology take over practically every sector imaginable, and advancements in the security systems industry has been at the forefront.
Today, commercial establishments are able to enjoy increased visibility of a premises through the most advanced and sophisticated security systems, and a robust alarm and alert system in place. And while these are welcome moves within the on-ground security sector, we need to ask ourselves, can we truly be reliant on and replace human intervention with technology?
The answer to this is no. However advanced technologymight be, it is not entirely foolproof. Technical failures are a very real threat to security systems, as are cases of hackers tripping these systems to allow criminal activity on a property. Due to these limitations and challenges, a hybrid approach to security with a balanced mix of manned-guarding, along with technology is strongly recommended.
They say in order to catch a thief, you must think like one. And we couldn’t agree more. Even with advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, there are still tasks only the human mind is truly capable of carrying out. Here’s why companies should opt for a hybrid approach to their security needs:
Human security personnel do a lot more than just patrolling
Humans, as highly emotional and complex beings, tend to experience ‘gut intuition’ on several occasions. Among security guards, when faced with a challenging situation at hand, they often need to think on their feet and make quick decisions, which can sometimes be the difference between life and death. It is here, where their gut intuition comes in to play, and guides them to make the right decision. This, along with insights from security cameras and analytical security systems provides companies with an added layer of protection against untoward incidents on premises.
Physical demands of the job
Securing a premises is no easy task, even with the best surveillance systems. While CCTV cameras and monitoring systems do a great job with providing intelligence, the need for the physical presence of guards still exists. At times, the job demands chasing away or detaining a criminal. Machines and robots are yet unable to carry out such functions, thereby cementing the need for human-led security services to co-exist with technology.
Data Analytics can help guards understand movement patterns to prevent disasters
As cameras monitor a premises, the data gathered from these observations can be analysed to understand vulnerabilities in the security system. With the help of human intelligence clubbed with technology, business owners can arrive at quicker solutions to the challenges faced, and implement necessary measures to keep the premises safe and secure.
The bottom line
While technology is definitely here to stay, and we must embrace change. Co-existence is the key. Humans and machines both have their place in society, and by working together, we can create a safer business environment for everyone involved.
