SECURITY
THE ROBOTS ARE COMING, BUT NOT FOR OUR JOBS
If you believe everything you read, you could be under the impression that a job apocalypse is looming and robots will be making us all redundant in the near future, but that’s not how Trigion Security’s Technical Director Neil Ricketts sees things.
Chancellor Philip Hammond made unfortunate headlines when he seemed to declare there were no unemployed people in the UK. He later insisted he had been trying to make the point that new technologies do not always lead to job losses and he’s probably right on the second point.
Robots taking jobs certainly makes a good headline, but history tells us a different story. New technology has never replaced people’s jobs in a wholesale manner.
In fact, according to research by a Harvard economist, only one complete occupation, that of the elevator operator, has disappeared in the last 60 years because of the introduction of new technology. Those looking for further examples could maybe include petrol pump attendants who were replaced when self-service pumps were introduced, but we’re a long way off the machines taking over the working world.
There are life-changing technological developments on the near horizon, including self-driving cars and artificially intelligent machines. However, it is far more likely that in future certain tasks will become automated rather than jobs being replaced in a comprehensive manner. A report by the McKinsey International Institute suggests that nearly half of the activities people carry out could be automated in the coming years.
Enhancing security As a security business, we rely on people for our success. Relationships are key to winning, and retaining, business, and guarding operatives form an important part of our service. We are not looking to replace everyone with robots and the like.
For a long time, security provision meant sending over a guard or two to a client’s premises. On some occasions this is still the most appropriate response, although our
guarding operatives do more than just sit behind a desk with the occasional patrol these days.
Rather than replacing jobs, technological solutions are used to carry out routine tasks freeing people to fulfil more interesting and complex roles. In the security industry that means operatives can act as receptionists and hosts or take on a wider role in the business. In fact, that’s a key part of our service. All our guards are Hostmanship trained, so they always make customers and colleagues feel welcome.
In tandem with our manned guards, we are able to call upon electronic security solutions which have come on leaps and bounds in recent years. For example, biometric access control and integrated CCTV systems mean people and premises can be protected like never before. Even better, companies like ours can manage the whole process from a remote security-centre, twenty-four hours a day.
Improved information Technology can also make jobs easier for people through the improved provision of information. A ringing alarm no longer means despatching a guard to see if anything untoward is happening. Instead any incidents can be checked on CCTV and alarms deactivated remotely or the situation escalated as appropriate. The guard only need take action where it is necessary.
New technology brings health and safety benefits too. Robots can take on the more dangerous and repetitive tasks. Working during unsociable hours can also be reduced while still maintaining around the clock support.
Combined approach A combination of technology and the human touch is the secret to success in many businesses and I can’t see that changing any time soon. We deliver a blended solution of electronic and people power, meaning we can adapt our offer to meet the client’s needs. Without having to carry out routine tasks, our operatives have more time to engage face-to-face with clients. Rather than de-personalising service, technology is making it more personal.
Progress is inevitable and there will undoubtedly be issues and problems along the way, but we need to embrace what technology has to offer if we are to provide the service people want. It’s important to remember there will always be new opportunities and jobs that arise thanks to new technology; it’s not all doom and gloom whatever the papers say.
www.trigion.co.uk 34 | TOMORROW’S FM
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