Securitas Security Services Ltd- Experts & Thought Leaders

Securitas Technology, a world pioneer and global provider of security, health, and safety technologies, unveiled its Sustainability Initiatives, a pioneering effort to promote environmentally sustainable solutions in the electronic security industry. This initiative will be launched at the Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2024 show, September 23-25, in Orlando, Florida. Consumption of security devices Securitas Technology incorporates data on greenhouse gas emissions in all new sales proposals As part of this initiative, Securitas Technology will now incorporate data on greenhouse gas emissions in all new sales proposals to clients and prospective clients in the United States and Canada.  The information will be calculated based on the annual energy consumption of security devices or systems, expressed in CO2 equivalent. Research shows that approximately 70% of the lifetime emissions of electronic security equipment are attributed to power consumption. Committed technology partners   “Achieving a more sustainable future requires collective action, and sustainability is increasingly at the forefront of our clients’ priorities,” said Tony Byerly, Global President and CEO, Securitas Technology. “We are proud to step out and lead the industry to be more environmentally responsible, alongside our committed technology partners who have provided essential data for this important initiative. By offering clients accurate data on the emissions from the power consumption of our solutions, we empower them to make informed choices that not only enhance security but also reduce the environmental impact.” Data for client proposals Emissions data for client proposals developed in collaboration with Securitas Technology The emissions data for client proposals has been developed in collaboration with Securitas Technology’s strategic partners, representing many of the world’s pioneering manufacturers and innovators in the security industry.  “As the world’s second-largest commercial electronic security company, we take our leadership role in seeing a different world seriously, and this is just the start of our journey,” declared Byerly. Expanding remote services In addition to providing emissions data, Securitas Technology is committed to expanding its remote services to help clients reduce or eliminate travel to sites and the associated emissions. The company aims to help clients minimise their environmental footprint through insights on occupancy patterns to optimise heating and lighting, transitioning clients to more efficient cloud-based systems, and building a more sustainable security ecosystem. Sustainable security solutions “Just as every client has unique security needs, they also have specific sustainability targets,” said John Tomin, Global Sustainability Officer, Securitas Technology. “By gaining a deep understanding of these challenges from the outset, we can work in partnership with clients to offer more sustainable security solutions that contribute positively to our shared sustainability goals.” Aligned with the SBTi  Securitas is the first security solutions firm to have its sustainability targets validated by SBTi The Sustainability Initiative is structured to align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global commitment made by Securitas AB, the corporate parent of Securitas Technology. Securitas is the first global security solutions company to have its sustainability targets validated by SBTi, committing to reducing absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2022 base year. This commitment is aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius goal. Expanding remote service Securitas Technology measures and reports on its sustainability progress under the SBTi framework annually. The company is actively pursuing several actions to reduce its own emissions, including the adoption of circular economy practices, and expanding remote service offerings, among many other considerations.

Building on the establishment of the Global Clients Data Centre Group in 2023, Securitas is now taking an important next step by strengthening the skills of Securitas’ security officers by introducing a certification for managing data centres’ diverse security challenges with efficiency and expertise. The significance of big data and cloud services has never been more prevalent. Serving as critical hubs for storing, processing, and distributing digital information, data centres are a part of the daily digital experience. They are the unseen backbone that enables everything from streaming the favorite movies and sports events to managing the financial transactions they rely on daily, to supporting communication tools that connect people across the globe. Quality of security services The global data centre market is projected to expand significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% pioneering up to 2030. This rapid growth comes with challenges. Data centres face a myriad of security threats, including human error, system failures, natural disasters, and cyber-attacks. Data centres face a myriad of security threats, including human error, system failures, natural disasters These risks highlight the undeniable need for specialised security measures to protect these critical infrastructures. In enhancing the commitment to top-tier security services for data centres, Securitas will train a large number of security officers to become Certified Data Centre Security Professionals, elevating the quality of security services provided to data centres globally. Certified Data Centre Security Professionals "The Certified Data Centre Security Professional training is an example of Securitas' dedication to providing security solutions tailored to meet the challenges in the markets where we operate,” says Bert den Hartog, VP, Global Clients Data Centres. "With over 15,000 hours of total training, upon completion, more than 10,000 participants will attain the certification, showcasing their best-in-class proficiency in safeguarding these high-security facilities." Collaboration and cultural reinforcement Clients will be able to enhance their own EHS programs, assuring a safer and efficient workplace Central to this training are key focus areas such as stringent physical access control, emergency response procedures, adherence to ethics, and professional conduct. Securitas’ certified data centre professionals will be adept at addressing a wide array of security challenges, all while efficiently managing other crucial responsibilities, minimising the need for excess personnel, and therefore reducing the risk of human error. Securitas’ certified data centre professionals will serve as vigilant eyes and ears, enhancing client safety by identifying hazards and improving working practices. Through collaboration and cultural reinforcement, the clients will be able to enhance their own EHS programs, ensuring a safer and more efficient workplace. Securitas knows data centres "We understand the pivotal role data centres play in today's digital landscape,” says Milton Plet, SVP, Head of Securitas’ Data Centre Group. “That is why Securitas is investing in our professionals, ensuring they have the necessary expertise and skills to provide best-in-class protection for our clients. In the same way as security officers tasked with protecting fire-prone facilities must possess expertise in fire safety, our data centre specialists need extensive knowledge in all peculiarities of data centres”. Securitas plans to introduce additional modules to the certification and launch further training Delivering solutions to a sector in exponential growth necessitates staying at the forefront of service offerings. The current rollout elevates the industry standard, but it is just the beginning. Securitas plans to introduce additional modules to the certification and launch further training for officers. This commitment is key to ensuring the clients receive the highest level of security, safeguarding what is essential in the new digital era. All with ultimately one purpose: to make the world a safer place. Innovative learning sparks professional growth Launched on February 12, the training will seamlessly integrate into the Securitas Global Clients Academy for all Securitas’ officers in data centres, accessible to every employee for continuous development. This initiative not only allows the team to enhance skills and foster professional growth but also serves as a foundational course for new hires. Successful completion earns participants the title of Certified Data Centre Security Professionals, signifying their expertise in safeguarding data centres with the aim to increase client value. “Our exceptional data centre clients are a testament to our position at the forefront of this crucial security domain,” says Magnus Ahlqvist, President and CEO of Securitas. “Data centre security is about ensuring business continuity and instilling confidence in a highly complex and delicate environment. Giving our clients peace of mind, no matter where in the world they operate, has never been more important.”

Banking premises require a robust security infrastructure to safeguard sensitive financial information, customer data, and valuable assets. When a pioneering investment bank in Finland needed to enhance the protection of its archive room, it turned to PACOM’s cutting-edge VIGIL CORE security management platform.  An archive room A bank’s archive room is a designated location, often in a basement, which is designed for the storage and preservation of critical documents, customer records, historical financial information, legal agreements, and other important paperwork. As a repository for a wide range of sensitive materials, an archive room plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of a bank's records.  Regulatory requirements Given the sensitive nature of the stored documents, access must be restricted to designated personnel only Banks are subject to stringent regulatory requirements to ensure the security and privacy of customer data, so organising documents in an archive room allows them to efficiently manage and retrieve information when needed, facilitating internal audits, regulatory compliance checks, and responding to customer inquiries. Given the sensitive nature of the stored documents, access must be restricted to designated personnel only to protect against unauthorised handling or removal. As such, these spaces are typically equipped with advanced security measures.  Northern star  To mitigate any emerging risks and threats, banks need to employ an ongoing program of security infrastructure upgrades. When a pioneering investment bank in Finland needed to improve the security of an archive room in one of its locations in Helsinki, it asked for recommendations from Securitas Technology – a PACOM value-added reseller for over 25 years.  VIGIL CORE When we were asked to suggest ways to maximise the integrity of our client’s archive room, we researched" Mikko Seppänen, product manager at Securitas Technology, takes up the story and explains, "As a world-pioneering provider of integrated security solutions that employs approximately 13,000 people across the globe, we have experience working with a wide range of technologies. We operate extensively within the financial sector, so understand that nothing can be left to chance and only the best will do." "When we were asked to suggest ways to maximise the integrity of our client’s archive room, we researched the best possible option, which we decided was PACOM’s VIGIL CORE integrated security management platform." Reach for the sky  Intelligent, user-friendly, and highly cost-effective, VIGIL CORE is a cloud-based software solution that offers the flexibility, scalability, affordability, and functionality demanded by organisations. It has been designed to redefine what’s possible in security integration management, without any legacy restrictions, and can deliver valuable business intelligence, operational insights, and efficiencies. "End users are now able to harness the power of the cloud through VIGIL CORE," comments Brad McMullen, PACOM’s general manager of security products and solutions.  Customisable dashboard It can also scale up and down as required and provides existing PACOM users with an opportunity to migrate" "VIGIL CORE is a true game-changer and a great fit for customers with single sites, hundreds of sites, or large campus environments. Its fully customisable dashboard can be accessed via any internet-connected desktop PC or smartphone." "It can also scale up and down as required and provides existing PACOM users with an opportunity to migrate to it quickly and easily." All for one and one for all  Limiting access to sensitive areas within the bank is vital and different levels of access can be assigned based on job roles. In archive rooms, access control systems are often integrated with other security technologies. Intrusion detection systems detect unauthorised access or entry attempts, while video surveillance systems are strategically placed to monitor entry points and critical areas, serving both as a deterrent and a means of recording any suspicious activities. Alarm systems can be linked to access control systems to trigger alerts in the event of unauthorised access attempts and configure transactional logs.  Features and benefits Our customer needed the system to be up and running very quickly and we were very impressed with how easy it was" Securitas Technology’s Mikko Seppänen states, "This is the first time VIGIL CORE has been installed in Finland, so for us it provided a great opportunity to find out more about its features and benefits. Our customer needed the system to be up and running very quickly and we were very impressed with how easy it was to deploy." "The archive room is quite small, so we integrated the access control and intrusion detection systems on the same panel, and there is the potential to expand the system by adding doors and cameras as required. The integration of security systems is the way forward and it’s clear that VIGIL CORE has great potential across many vertical sectors and organisations of all sizes." Under control  The administration of access control systems involves careful management and oversight. With VIGIL CORE system administrators can configure access levels, assign credentials, and regularly review and update security settings helping to ensure that the administrator accounts are always controlled correctly.  Automatic software and firmware installations Doing this in a standardised manner takes the burden of managing the cybersecurity of the system To ensure that the bank’s security infrastructure is fully up to date, VIGIL CORE can carry out automatic software and firmware installations to allow it to benefit from the latest security features and enhancements. Doing this in a standardised manner takes the burden of managing the cybersecurity of the system off of the end user while helping to ensure regulatory compliance through built-in operational features and documentation. Securitas Technology can also carry out remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance when needed.  Statement of account  Having been successfully implemented within the customer’s defined timeframe, a bank spokesperson concludes, "A safe and secure archive room is vital for the continuity and stability of a bank." "It not only supports day-to-day operations but also acts as a safeguard against unforeseen events such as legal disputes, regulatory investigations, or audits."  Reliability and accountability "We take this incredibly seriously, which is why we trusted Securitas Technology to configure the most appropriate solution for our needs." "We are delighted with the VIGIL CORE integrated security management platform – it reinforces the integrity of the bank and establishes a foundation of reliability and accountability in the eyes of both customers and regulatory authorities."

Consolidation is a dominant trend in the security marketplace. Large companies typically swallow up smaller companies as a means of expanding both their technology portfolios and their geographic reach. Sometimes a big fish is swallowed up by an even bigger fish.   Despite the pandemic and resulting economic challenges, the security market has continued to be a desirable environment for both big players and startups, which then provide abundant acquisition targets for the larger companies. Acquisitions of Motorola Motorola Solutions has been among the most acquisitive of the larger players, recently adding several smaller companies to their growing portfolio. Just this year, Motorola has acquired Ava Security, a video security and analytics company; Calipsa, another analytics company; and Videotec, an Italian provider of ruggedized video solutions for critical infrastructure applications. Video solutions that help to enhance safety and streamline operations while supporting customers In one announcement, Motorola chairman and CEO Greg Brown stated the goal of acquisitions is “to support our customers’ evolving security needs by expanding our portfolio of intelligent video solutions that help to enhance safety and streamline operations.” Previously, Motorola Solutions acquired Envysion, a video analytics company for the retail market. On the access control side, Motorola acquired Openpath Security, a cloud-based, mobile access control provider, in 2021. Motorola entered the video surveillance business back in 2018 with the acquisition of Avigilon for around $1 billion. Also now a part of Motorola are IndigoVision and Pelco, among others. ACRE's mergers and acquisition Another company active in the mergers and acquisition market has been ACRE (Access Control Related Enterprises). The company began with a spinoff from Ingersoll Rand in 2012 to become Vanderbilt Industries. As ACRE, the parent company has been active both in acquisitions and divestitures over the next decade. Vanderbilt grew with the acquisition of Siemens’ Security Products in 2015. ACRE owned Mercury Security, a manufacturer of OEM hardware used by access control companies, from 2013 until it was sold to HID Global in 2017. The acquisition of Razberi enhances the ComNet portfolio while providing complementary technologies ACRE’s more recent access control acquisitions are RS2 Technologies (in 2019), Open Options (2018), Feenics (2021), and Matrix Systems (2021). They acquired ComNet, a manufacturer of video and data transmission equipment, in 2016. The acquisition of Razberi (in 2020) enhances the ComNet portfolio and provides complementary technologies to the access control brands. Acquisition of ACRE ACRE itself was acquired by European investment firm Triton in 2021, and Joseph Grillo, the company’s founder and CEO, announced his retirement in 2022. His knowledge of the security and access control markets helped to drive the company’s growth, including 11 successful acquisitions in all. Securitas acquiring Stanley Security  The acquisition of Stanley Security is transformational for both Securitas and the security industry Stanley Security has also made headlines. In December 2021, Securitas signed an agreement to acquire the Electronic Security Business from Stanley Black & Decker for $3.2 billion in cash. Securitas President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist says, “the acquisition of Stanley Security is transformational for both Securitas and the security industry.” Allegion plc, global security products and solutions provider, later signed an agreement to acquire Stanley Access Technologies and assets related to the automatic entrance solutions business from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. for $900 million. Acquisition by HID Global, ADT Inc. & Allied Universal HID Global has acquired Vizinex RFID, thus increasing its presence and relevance in key vertical markets, including healthcare/medical, manufacturing, oil and gas, data centres, etc. and adding a key technology to HID Global’s RFID tag portfolio. ADT Inc. recently expanded its geographic reach with the acquisition of Key-Rite Security, a locally owned and operated security provider specializing in access control, surveillance, intrusion, and intercom systems in Colorado and for customers across the United States. Allied Universal continues its strategic growth with the acquisition of Attenti Group, an electronic monitoring company Allied Universal has acquired Star Protection Agency, the largest Hawaiian-owned and veteran-owned security company in the state. Although Star is primarily a guard patrol service, with workers at 125 sites throughout the state, it provides a range of security technology and consulting services. Internationally, Allied Universal continues its strategic growth with the acquisition of Attenti Group, an electronic monitoring company. Allied Universal will integrate Attenti Group with G4S Monitoring Technologies, to create Allied Universal Electronic Monitoring Services. SALTO Systems making acquisition news Also internationally, SALTO Systems has made acquisition news by investing in Bluefield Smart Access, thus strengthening their portfolio of access control solutions. SALTO Systems is a manufacturer of electronic access control and operating system solutions, designed to provide a seamless, keyless and mobile experience for modern buildings. Also joining the SALTO Group is Cognitec Systems, a face recognition company. The goal is to strengthen their research, development and market reach while working with SALTO on new technologies for expanding biometric markets. SALTO strategically selected Cognitec Systems to meet market requests for adding face recognition and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to the company’s electronic access control and ticketing solutions. Acquisitions by MOBOTIX and Resideo Technologies  Resideo Technologies, Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire First Alert, Inc., a provider of home safety products Further, on the international scene, MOBOTIX has reached an agreement to acquire Vaxtor Group, Tres Cantos, Spain, an artificial intelligence (AI) based video analytics provider, specializing in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Deep Learning technologies. On the residential system's front, Resideo Technologies, Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire First Alert, Inc., a provider of home safety products, from Newell Brands Inc. for $593 million in an all-cash transaction. Established in 1969 and based in Aurora, Illinois, First Alert offers a strong omnichannel presence serving end-users directly through retail and e-commerce channels and professional contractors through relationships with distributors and home builders.

To succeed at outsourcing, the relationship between the organisation and the outsourcing company has to be an equal partnership Can you save money on security by outsourcing? Maybe, maybe not, according to William J. Powers III, CIPM II, CIPI. “Considering the way I approach outsourcing, I’m not sure if it saves money,” says Powers. As director of facilities at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Mass., Powers oversees facilities, maintenance and security for the museum. While some organisations outsource security in the hopes of saving money, Powers’ goal is good security. He outsources to Securitas. “They do background checks for us,” Powers says. “If I need an investigation, they have people that specialise in that. They provide officers for physical security, and they handle the technology — video surveillance, access control and intrusion alarms.” While Powers outsources the work to Securitas, he remains involved as a full partner in The Clark’s security operations. “If you bring in an outsourcing company and expect their people to set policies and standards and to establish security benchmarks for you, you will probably fail,” Powers says. “To succeed, the relationship has to be an equal partnership.” A new outsourcing partner doesn’t know your organisation the way you do. You have to provide the policy guidance and enforcement standards. In addition, Powers notes that an organisation that outsources security also needs an in-house contract manager who understands security. It can’t be the chief financial officer or the facilities manager unless one of them has solid security experience. Powers, for instance, has more than 30 years of experience in protecting cultural property. He has been at the Clark Art Institute since 1995. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection (IFCPP). He is a certified instructor through the IFCPP and frequently lectures on cultural property protection. He is also vice chair of the ASIS Cultural Properties Council. "The in-house expert is important because he or she is one of three key players necessary to building a successful outsourcing program" “A consultant could serve as your in-house expert,” Powers says. “The in-house expert is important because he or she is one of three key players necessary to building a successful outsourcing program.” The other two people are the site manager for the contract security company and the branch manager for the security provider. Together, those three organise, manage and refine the security operation. Powers’ role in the partnership extends to setting salary targets for security officers. He has studied wages across the region and come up with a salary level he believes is reasonable. He asks his provider to meet that level. Managing compensation for officers is one of Powers’ major concerns because it helps with retention. “Poor compensation leads to high turnover,” he says. “I’m not talking just about salary; I’m also talking about benefits. Securitas pays 50 percent of our officers’ health insurance premiums. I pick up another 25 percent.” By making sure officers cannot find a better paying job in the area, Powers has tamped turnover way down. “We have contract officers that have worked here for more than 20 years,” he says. “Our turnover rate is less than 1 percent.” Then, too, if Powers doesn’t like an officer he calls the contract company and has him or her removed from the staff. That’s a benefit, as well. Firing someone from an in-house staff can be a drawn out problem. Outsourcing has many other benefits. For instance, if the museum hosts an event and needs 10 extra officers, Securitas can provide them quickly. An in-house operation would struggle to find 10 more people. “To sum up, to outsource security successfully, you have to pay for it,” Powers says. “We’re paying $11 per hour instead of $9, but our officers have great attitudes. Perhaps more importantly, you have to work as a partner with your outsourcing provider.” You may or may not save any money by adopting Powers’ approach, but you will have excellent security.