Corporate Security: Finding Cost Savings without Sacrificing Safety

Corporate Security: Finding Cost Savings without Sacrificing Safety   
 
                                                                              By Brian Buggé, M.A., CPP, CHPA, CPOI
                                                                                               www.brianbugge.com              

In regard to trimming your security budget and finding cost savings, I have worked with security budgets ranging from a low of $250k to a high of $20 million dollars. In general, there are usually six (6) approaches I take to help a client contain costs without sacrificing security:
 

1. Performance Management & Innovation (PMI). I’ve been applying metrics and analytics for years to streamline and improve both the efficiency and the effectiveness of security operations. I can also help you enhance your training and technology, which can make a huge difference to your bottom line. The best way to get more bang-for-the-buck out of your security staff (and budget) is through better utilization of training and technology. My approach to PMI involves a Robust Process plan of Continuous Quality Improvement that incorporates what I call “The 5 P’s:” Philosophy, Process, Programs, Problem-Solving & Partnerships. In addition, I specialize in helping clients apply for (and obtain) a “Qualifying Anti-Terrorism Technology” designation from the Department of Homeland Security. Receiving a QATT designation significantly reduces your liability stemming from any acts of terrorism, which can significantly reduce your insurance costs.

 

1. Outsourcing. Currently, a popular approach is to outsource security to a contract security guard agency. Some companies outsource all security operations and some keep a mix of proprietary in-house security officers working alongside contract security officers in a hybrid type model. I can help you select the best approach and help you select the best contract security guard agency for your needs based on bids and wording in contracts (along with several other strategies I use that can generate significant cost savings over time).

  

1. Consolidation. Economies of scale can be attained through consolidation where possible. Alarm monitoring services, training, other shared services, etc., are some functions that can be consolidated to reduce your security overhead and costs. Proper utilization of PMI can uncover many opportunities to consolidate resources. I can show you how to capture these savings in an expeditious fashion without weakening your security posture.

 

1. Integration. When doing new construction or performing renovations, let me act as your security integration expert. I have uncovered significant savings for clients just by applying my expertise in physical security design and CPTED. The more your system uses an integrated, holistic and seamless open architecture, the less expensive it will be.

    

1. Outside Funding Sources. Security budgets can be trimmed, but they can also be bolstered by additional funding from outside sources. I can help you locate and apply for grants, free or extremely reduced surplus equipment for your security operations, etc. I can also show you when it’s more cost effective to lease security equipment rather than buy it outright. In addition, I can show your security department how to become a revenue generator, rather than a cost center. Those types of strategies involve complex business arrangements like forming a security consulting and training division that charges fees for its services to outside entities, or perhaps a capability of collecting fees for services offered to other organizations (public and/or private) for a variety of security related services. Revenue can also be generated from parking fees, advertising, the entertainment industry, etc.

 

1. Reduction/Reallocation of Staff. Personnel costs are the biggest expense in any security budget so reducing security staff can be viewed as an easy quick-fix. But layoffs have many negative long-term consequences, and I outline for my clients exactly what those ramifications are and build in contingency plans to ameliorate those negative consequences. If security staff reductions ultimately become necessary, I can design a revised and innovative security/safety and emergency management strategy going forward that recalibrates your security operations and scheduling/deployment plans based on the reduced manpower caused by those layoffs and/or attrition.

                        
NOTE: Keep-in-mind that money not disbursed to cover fines, legal fees, and/or jury awards from courts and/or government or regulatory agencies are cost savings too. I can do a comprehensive compliance audit in that regard to insure that your security operations follow best practices and meet all applicable federal, state, local, laws, rules and regulations.

Drop me a line – you’ll be glad you did. www.brianbugge.com. While at my site, read my other blog entries too. They are all designed to help you strengthen your organization's security posture and its resiliency. 
 
About the Author: Brian Buggé is Director of Security Operations at IRI Global, LLC. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice & Security Management at the University of Phoenix. Brian is Board Certified in Security Management by ASIS, Intl. He is also a licensed private investigator and certified security guard instructor. In New York City he received the Fire Safety Director designation from the NYC Fire Department. In 2003 Brian helped form the N/E Chapter of The Assoc. of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), and he served on their Board for six years. Brian has over 15 years of security management experience and over 20 years of experience in various positions in law enforcement (federal, county and city level). He can be reached at www.brianbugge.com.