An Asset Protection Expert's POV on Drones and the Future of Security

‍The Realities We Face in Security

As the former VP of Asset Protection at Target, I’ve seen the same security problems repeat themselves over and over again. 

Consistent obstacles I’ve had to navigate throughout my security career include gaps in security coverage, external pressures regarding budgets, and the expectation of being everywhere at once. 

Traditional security measures like CCTV cameras, security guards, gates, and fences all have their place in security, but they’re just not enough to tackle today’s fast-moving, organized threats. 

With this in mind, I’m proud to recommend the Flock Aerodome Drone as Automated Security system that was built specifically to help security professionals better secure and monitor expansive areas and facilities like parking lots, warehouses, shopping centers, and more.

What Flock Aerodome Brings to the Table

Threats can present themselves anywhere, at any time. And it’s tough trying to proactively monitor these threats when your resources are already being stretched beyond their limits. 

The beauty of the Flock Aerodome system lies in its ability to multiply the security measures that you already have in place. I say this because Flock Aerodome drones are equipped with video cameras that allow guards to view live HD video footage, allowing them to verify threats before acting on an incident. 

This empowers your security teams to ignore false alarms, saving them time, and so they can focus their full attention on where it matters most - real threats that need your attention. ‍

How is this possible? 

In public safety deployments, the Flock Aerodome system has been able to arrive at scenes within jurisdictions in 86 seconds on average. This figure represents the average response time for covering an entire city, so your response time will likely be faster for securing a specific area. 

Addressing the Problems We All Struggle With

Years ago, I was on the security team for a store that was experiencing car break-ins on the outer side of a vast parking lot. These car break-ins were damaging the store's reputation, causing a drop in sales and higher employee turnover, as staff members were also having their cars broken into. 

Whenever our CCTV cameras spotted a suspicious individual lingering around the perimeter of the parking lot, we’d dispatch a security guard to assess the situation. 

Due to the size of the parking lot, it took roughly 5-10 minutes for security to reach the location. The reality is that individuals could have already committed a break-in and left in the time it took security to get there. 

And during the after-hours where we didn’t have as much staff on duty, we’d risk having cameras go unmanned and missing critical evidence for the incident.  

Flock Aerodome was built specifically for these circumstances, where time is of the essence. If my team had access to Flock Aerodome, we could have deployed a drone there in seconds and properly evaluated whether it was worth sending a guard. 

And if a suspect attempted to leave during a crime, the drone could capture their license plate and add it to a list of flagged vehicles in case they tried to return. 

These scenarios are all too common for security guards, and directly point towards the need for a solution like Flock Aerodome. 

Impact On The Businesses and Spaces We Protect

Whether you’re securing a retail business, a warehouse, or a manufacturing facility, the Flock Aerodome system has you covered. Our drone system can be used for a multitude of situations, but there are specific sectors where Drone as Automated Security proves to be particularly effective. 

Retail Centers 

As shown in the example in the previous section, the Flock Aerodome system is helpful in patrolling large parking areas and other expansive spaces often associated with retail shopping centers. 

As a security professional, what sticks out to me is their efficiency and effectiveness during the after-hours, when manpower is limited and your shopping center is most vulnerable to theft. This is because Flock’s drone system can launch on triggers like a motion sensor or a Flock LPR camera, making your shopping center virtually impenetrable 24/7.  

Operational Visibility

In security, visibility is everything. This is especially true for teams having to manage multiple sites. Having to keep track of various locations often leads to security members overextending themselves. 

One reason I appreciate Flock Aerodome is that it allows security teams to efficiently monitor multiple sites without physically patrolling different areas on foot. 

If there’s a disturbance or if a trigger is activated, the drone system will deploy to the area so security can receive real-time HD footage to determine whether the disturbance is a false alarm. This enables you to actively patrol multiple areas without being physically present in each location. 

Warehouses, Logistics, and Construction Zones

The average value of a cargo theft is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Security professionals working within this sector must be hyper-vigilant in areas like after-hours perimeter patrolling, critical asset monitoring, and real-time intrusion alerts. 

Thankfully, the Flock Aerodome system can tackle these issues for large facilities all without expanding head count.  

The ROI Security Professionals Can’t Ignore

In my experience working with higher-ups, securing budget approval for new technologies or equipment can be challenging. That’s why I recommend security professionals frame Flock Aerodome as a way to save money, rather than just an additional expense. ‍

How does Flock Aerodome save money? 

Flock Aerodome Drone as Automated Security costs about the same as a guard but can cover the same area as multiple security patrols. So, investing in a drone provides the same benefits as hiring several security guards. 

There’s nothing management loves more than offering better protection for employees and customers while cutting costs, so emphasizing this area is crucial for getting approval. 

The Future of Security is Already Here

Flock Aerodome is one of the most impactful security solutions I’ve come across in my years as a security professional. You can drastically reduce response times, save money within your budget, and determine whether an incident is a false alarm without having to go there physically. 

I only wish that Flock Aerodome were around during my time in asset protection. 

Gain a deeper understanding of Flock’s Aerodome system by scheduling a call with one of our representatives. 

Learn even more about the Flock Aerodome system by reading our article: Flock Aerodome: Automated Security for Retail Shopping Centers

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