Modern security integrates on-site guards and CCTV with electronic access control, remote monitoring, online reporting, and cyber resilience. According to Martin Popardowski from ABAS IPS Management, the future of the sector lies not in replacing people with technology, but in intelligently integrating the two.
Clients today want a combination of physical security, CCTV, electronic access control, online reporting, and a link to a centralised security control centre. How is this shift manifesting itself in your new contracts?
The transformation is significant, and we see it in virtually every new contract. Clients are no longer simply looking for a provider of physical security, but for a partner capable of designing and delivering a comprehensive security solution. Security guards remain important, but increasingly they are just one element of the overall system. Customers expect security to be integrated with CCTV, access control, number plate recognition, remote monitoring or online reporting. They want an immediate overview of what is happening on site, access to real-time data, and the ability to respond quickly. Efficiency is also a major concern. Companies are looking for solutions that will enhance security whilst optimising costs. That is why we often propose a combination of physical security and technology, so that each part of the system fulfils its role most effectively.
There has been a long-standing shortage of staff in physical security, whilst pressure on both the cost and quality of service is growing. What should a security guard do, and what can be handled more effectively by technology, a control centre or remote monitoring?
The shortage of high-quality staff is one of the sector’s greatest challenges. It is therefore important to allocate tasks correctly between people and technology. Routine and repetitive tasks, such as perimeter checks, CCTV monitoring or recording vehicle and pedestrian access, can now be handled by technology more quickly, more accurately, and without fatigue. Where judgement, communication, handling non-standard situations or crisis decision-making are required, the human role remains irreplaceable.
Physical security is now deeply linked to cybersecurity. Traditional systems such as CCTV cameras, access control systems, electronic gatehouses, and remote monitoring have transitioned from basic low-voltage equipment to vital, data-driven assets. In light of this infrastructure evolution, how is ABAS adapting its approach?
The integration of physical and cyber security is now a reality. Every modern camera, access control system or remotely managed device represents not only a security tool but also a potential entry point into a company’s infrastructure. That is why the two areas cannot be viewed in isolation. At ABAS, we are responding to this trend by emphasising the integration of individual security areas. When designing solutions, we focus not only on protecting the premises, but also on data security, access rights management, system segmentation, and monitoring who is using the security technology and how. Many companies still underestimate the human factor and the resilience of processes. They invest in modern technologies but pay less attention to permissions settings, audits, staff training, or crisis scenarios. Yet it is precisely the combination of technology, high-quality processes, and a responsible approach by people that determines whether an organisation is secure. Modern security integrates physical guarding, CCTV, electronic access control, remote monitoring, online reporting and cyber resilience. The future of the sector lies not in replacing people with technology, but in combining them intelligently.
