SERIS as a proactive security partner: security that goes beyond simply providing man-hours

Every morning, a security guard notices that visitors are waiting longer than necessary at the reception desk. Bags are scanned, information is recorded, and questions are asked, while the line keeps getting longer. Over time, he reports his observation to the Regional Team Leader. The leader looks not only at the moment itself, but at the process behind it. In consultation with the client, the procedure is adjusted. Two weeks later, the turnaround time has been cut in half and the frustration has disappeared.

It seems obvious that a security organization should operate this way, but in practice, it rarely happens. At many service providers, a report gets stuck in the system. Not because no one sees it, but because the organization isn’t set up to act on it. At SERIS, things work differently. Our security guards are encouraged to flag issues, regional team leaders have the freedom to act immediately, and clients know that improvements are addressed. It’s a way of working that has been second nature at SERIS for over a century.

Many security firms simply provide manpower and ensure that someone is on site. However, issues that go beyond the scope of that assignment—such as inefficiency, risks not yet addressed in protocols, or employees who consistently feel uncomfortable in a particular location—often fall through the cracks. Not because of a lack of willingness, but because the necessary structure is missing. SERIS does have that structure. With short lines of communication, dedicated points of contact, and security guards who know their observations matter, security becomes not just a separate expense but a proactive security partner that is an integral part of business operations.

Organizations that switch to SERIS often tell the same story. On paper, security was all taken care of: a certified company, proper certifications, and reports delivered on time. But in practice, there was little contact. Incidents were logged but never followed up on. Improvements were only discussed during an annual review—if one even took place.

This is how security gradually becomes a blind spot. Employees get used to minor incidents, processes remain cumbersome, and reporting feels like a formality. Yet security professionals are right at the heart of daily operations. They see where workflows get stuck, where protocols aren’t followed in practice, and where small risks can escalate into real problems. That knowledge has value, but only if an organization actively acts on it. A proactive security partner puts that knowledge to use.

SERIS operates based on three core values: committed, reliable, and helpful. These values determine how we work and how our organization is structured.

Being engaged means that security guards do more than just carry out their duties. They keep an eye out for irregularities, report issues, and take ownership of the site. SERIS supports this through on-the-job coaching, regular meetings with Regional Team Leaders, and the assurance that reports are followed up on.

Reliabilitymeans consistency: familiar faces, trusted points of contact, and an organization that keeps its promises. SERIS deliberately opts for a structured approach with short lines of communication. A Regional Team Leader knows the location inside and out, and a contract manager is always available for consultation. This provides peace of mind for both the client and the employees.

Being helpful means that SERIS actively contributes ideas. We don’t just record data—we improve it. We don’t just execute tasks—we provide advice. Even when that means technology takes over part of the work and fewer hours are needed. SERIS always prioritizes quality over growth. This approach is characteristic of a proactive security partner that looks beyond today’s schedule.

Many improvements start with a simple observation from a security guard. A door that hasn’t closed properly for months. An entrance that is consistently being used incorrectly. An area where unclear situations regularly arise because different departments overlap. Or a flow of visitors that causes confusion on a daily basis.

At SERIS, these are not isolated reports. They are actively addressed by the regional team, which investigates the situation and discusses it with the client. Sometimes this leads to a minor adjustment. Sometimes it requires a redesign of a process or a slight change in technology or walking routes. In other cases, it involves a combination of people and technology, such as an additional camera, a clearer walking route, or a different method of recording.

It’s important not to stop at simply identifying issues. Customers feel that someone is actively engaged, asking probing questions, and making suggestions. This turns security into a part of continuous improvement, rather than a fixed cost.