Last Updated on 21 January, 2025 by Skeddule
In the security realm, proper scheduling often means the difference between merely reacting to incidents versus preventing them altogether. This case study delves into how one organisation—SecureGuard Solutions (SGS)—dramatically improved workflow, community impact, and strategic collaborations by embracing roster best practices and a robust scheduling software.
The Challenge
Founding Details
Established in 2019 by Emily Rodriguez and Michael Thompson, SGS initially relied on manual rosters and ad-hoc guard assignments. Their main roadblocks included:
- Streamlining Training: They needed a consistent way to schedule and track guards’ upskilling.
- Coordinating Multiple Client Sites: Juggling rosters across numerous locations without clarity or overlap.
- Strengthening Community Ties: They aimed to enhance neighbourhood safety but lacked a structured approach to community outreach.
Pain Points
- Overlapping shifts or last-minute no-shows spiked overtime costs.
- Guards felt uncertain about their responsibilities at different sites.
- Community events often went unstaffed due to poor visibility of available personnel.
The Solution: Skeddule Integration
SecureGuard Solutions turned to Skeddule, focusing on three core improvements:
- Higher Standards
- Built-in compliance checks and shift templates guaranteed only fully trained staff took on specialised roles (e.g., crowd control, armed guards).
- Immediate alerts if a guard’s certification expired or if they were nearing excessive overtime hours.
- Community Outreach
- Proactive scheduling for regular patrols at local events (like weekend markets and school fairs), enhancing visibility.
- Partnerships with local neighbourhood groups—SGS made sure a rotating guard was always assigned to community functions.
- Law Enforcement Collaborations
- Automating shift planning for joint patrols and data sharing with local police.
- Real-time rosters provided law enforcement quick access to see which guards were available for urgent tasks.
Results
Training & Development
- Refresher Scheduling: Using Skeddule, SGS aligned monthly workshops (covering scenario-based drills, first aid re-certification) with guard availability, avoiding coverage gaps.
- Skill Tracking: Over 80% of staff completed advanced courses within the first year, raising overall site readiness.
Resource Allocation
- Reduced Gaps & Overlap: Automated rosters cut shift conflicts by 60%, saving thousands in overtime.
- Effective Coverage: Freed from manual scheduling, managers devoted more time to developing on-ground protocols.
Community Impact
- Heightened Public Trust: Reliable guard presence and event support boosted positive feedback from both residents and local business owners.
- Crime Deterrence: Consistent patrols lowered petty crime rates in some areas by double-digit percentages.
Future Growth
Emily Rodriguez notes, “Our upcoming step involves leveraging analytics within Skeddule for advanced risk forecasting. With real-time data, we can predict hotspots and realign staff more dynamically—keeping our approach fresh and responsive.”
Conclusion
This case study showcases how effective scheduling can transform an entire security operation—from guard morale to community trust. Want to mirror SGS’s success? Contact Skeddule—a solution that helps optimise staff coverage, reduce overlap, and foster safer local partnerships.
FAQ: Case Study Quick Queries
Can smaller agencies replicate SGS’s strategies?
Absolutely. Even small firms benefit from automated scheduling and community engagement, although the scope may be smaller.
Did SGS face any initial resistance from staff?
Some guards worried about extra training commitments. Clear timetables and ongoing communication eased these concerns.
How did community outreach lead to tangible results?
Frequent, visible patrols and event support boosted brand reputation, leading to more contract inquiries and local goodwill.
Are there extra costs for training refreshers?
Yes, but planning them via scheduling software ensures minimal disruption and helps capitalise on group training deals.
Any tips for sustaining police partnerships over time?
Keep lines of communication open—weekly or monthly coordination calls—and ensure rosters adapt quickly for joint operations.