Digital Operations Platforms: Guaranteeing human advantage in our technology-driven industry
This year has seen a surge forward for technology in the security industry. What are the implications for the people working in security and their future roles?
The past year has introduced a wave of new technologies and AI advancements in the security industry, often sparking concern about the potential replacement of human roles. However, I firmly believe that, in security, the human touch will always be essential, and security is, at its core, a people-driven industry.
Our industry relies on individuals with the intuition, real-life experience, and adaptability needed to handle complex, often high-stakes situations.
There is one area of technology in particular that makes the human element an even more valuable part of modern security solutions: the digital operations platform.
What is a digital operations platform?
You can think of it as a highly experienced mentor who is always by your side – accessible across a range of devices like a smartphone or a tablet, that can provide support at every step.
Not every officer has the same experience or knowledge, and we all begin as novices. These platforms act like a mentor, placing actionable guidance, crucial information, and support directly in their hands, helping them make informed decisions from day one. It’s like having the right advice, ready to guide your every step for every scenario. This can be invaluable even for seasoned professionals.
Digital operations platforms also streamline day-to-day operations, making it easier for teams to stay focused, organised and on mission.
Centralising key functions such as real-time communication, task management, and incident reporting allows security staff to respond more quickly and effectively than ever before.
Features like GPS tracking and NFC verification increase transparency and accountability, while safety functionality, such as panic buttons, provides operators and clients alike with peace of mind.
However, digital operations platforms can provide much more than day-to-day operational support. Modern digital operations platforms enable real-time communication and data sharing in various formats, from voice and text to photos and videos.
By collecting extensive information about how the teams perform and the incidents and events they encounter, security managers can identify trends, patterns and risks that can be addressed in solution design. Plus, having access to important insights means security teams can spot potential risks early and take action before problems arise. This data-driven approach helps teams work more efficiently, allowing them to stay focused on what matters most: keeping people and assets safe and secure.
While these platforms help us do our jobs better, they can’t replace the smart thinking and instincts that experienced security teams bring to tough situations. This is where the real power lies: the blending of technology and human capability will shape the future of our industry.
Digital operations platforms are one of the finest examples of this. Combining the best of both creates a stronger and more effective security environment. This allows teams to face challenges confidently while keeping the human touch at the centre of what we do.
At Bidvest Noonan, we use Task, our custom-built digital operations platform. At one of our major London sites we’ve integrated multiple services into this single platform. This consolidation has streamlined processes, improved reporting, and helped set new standards for operational performance.
Looking ahead, digital operations platforms hold incredible promise for transforming the security industry. These platforms are built to grow and adapt, allowing security teams to integrate new systems and tools as technology evolves.
For example, the exciting growth of AI and predictive analytics offers huge promise, potentially increasing our ability to spot risks before they even arise, empowering us to act proactively.
The synergy between human insight and technological support will continue to shape the future of our industry, guiding us down an innovative path while keeping us firmly rooted in the irreplaceable strength of the human element.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to strike a balance, recognising that while technology is invaluable, the human touch will always be our greatest asset in overcoming challenges and creating safer environments for everyone we serve.
Russell Dean
Director of Operations,
Bidvest Noonan
