MANAGING CLIENT SECURITY DURING A PANDEMIC – INTRODUCING GATSEC

The major shifts in the security industry are definitely towards real-time mobile workforce management.  Significant changes have shaped the security industry during the last decade, and more exciting innovations should be expected in the 2020s.

Emerging technologies and applications open new possibilities for the industry. At the same time, millions of cameras and other security devices are being connected into networks, making the security industry a very important part of the future.  Learn how Melbourne based company GATSEC manages these challenges for their customers during a global pandemic.

Why did you start GATSEC? 

I always wanted to have my own business ever since I was in high school, I started a computer business as I loved tech and everything surrounding it. As my interest grew, I started learning more about the security aspect of technology and access control. I worked for other companies and did not like how those businesses were run and I found that most businesses in the IT and Security industry were completely separated, I wanted to provide services that I enjoyed and I could see myself doing on a daily basis.

What is the companies mission/vision? 

Provide peace of mind and problem solve for clients. Being able to provide a complete solution to clients.  

What services are your main offerings? 

Installation, service and management of alarm systems, access control systems and surveillance systems.

What types of clients do you provide your services too? 

We look after all clients although mostly Government and Commercial clients.

Where do you think your industry is heading? 

The larger clients for the industry is going fine and I can’t see that changing for a long time although the smaller size clients such as the residential market are now moving towards DIY systems.

How has Covid-19 changed the way you do business?

Not as much as other industries, the security industry is still classed as an essential service. It has actually increased certain services such as remote monitoring because businesses can not be attended to every day the owners still need to know the property is safe and secure.

Being Melbourne based and now at Stage 4 restrictions, what impact has that had?

The biggest thing is time scheduling, this makes it really hard in the service industry, because people are not on-site, so we need to organise a specific time so the client can also attend. The issue with service work is that there is no way to forecast how long a job will take so we need to stay in constant contact with the client and notify them of any changes in the expected time of arrival.

How has this changed your business? People, product?

The products and services have not really changed at all, time and people are the biggest challenges. In general, we could schedule in 5-7 jobs in a day, with Covid-19 we would be lucky to schedule 3 in purely based on time scheduling restrictions.

Have you had any supply challenges?

Definitely had issues early on. When we had a bit of a break from COVID in those 2 weeks suppliers stepped up and ordered in big which is a huge props to them, they definitely helped the industry by showing initiative and thinking ahead.

What has been the hardest part of starting your business?

I was fortunate that I didn’t really have any struggles with starting the business.  I was already working in the industry and had quite a good reputation with clients and the people in the industry. Most of my work was generated from referrals. 

Did you ever think about quitting?

I don’t think I have ever thought about quitting, there have been moments that are tough but actually quitting, I don’t think so.

What is your biggest lesson learnt so far? 

Stay on top of invoicing, I learnt this the hard way. If you don’t invoice you don’t get paid.

What is next for GATSEC?

I have recently put on an apprentice to help carry workload, when he is up to speed it will allow me to work on growing the business.