Transforming Physical Security: How AI is Changing the GSOC

As physical security continues to evolve beyond the traditional “gates, guards and guns” approach, companies are venturing into the rising popularity, and increasingly mandate, of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technology.

With the global physical security and safety industry projected to reach $416 billion by 2030, the timing couldn’t be better for these investments in innovation to change how these companies approach the protection of people and assets.

Where are we now?

At their core, global security operations centers (GSOCs) serve as the central nervous system of an organization’s physical security infrastructure, operating 24/7 to monitor and respond to security events across multiple locations. These centers manage everything from video surveillance and access control to emergency communications, risk intelligence, executive protection, supply chain and incident response coordination; however, traditional operational models are reaching their breaking point.

The challenges are significant and growing. Security teams face chronic understaffing, with turnover rates ranging from 100% to 300% annually. Training new operators is expensive and time consuming, taking weeks or months to get them fully operational. Meanwhile, security teams are drowning in video feeds and alarms with a more than 98% false alarm rate, leading to operator fatigue and missed critical incidents.

The result? A perfect storm of operational inefficiencies that puts both security and budgets at risk.

Is AI the game changer?

AI has been largely a buzzword over the last several years but is now finally reaching its potential as technology that is capable of enacting real change (similar to what it has already done in other industries like cybersecurity). AI systems process vast amounts of data from multiple sources simultaneously, identifying patterns and potential threats that human operators might miss. This capability is particularly valuable in addressing the core challenges facing modern GSOCs.

Consider alarm management, traditionally one of the most time-consuming aspects of security operations. AI-driven technology can now intelligently filter and verify alarms, analyzing multiple data points to determine the likelihood of a genuine security threat. This intelligent triage ensures that operators focus their attention on the most critical incidents, improving response times and reducing the risk of alarm fatigue.

In surveillance operations, AI systems continuously monitor multiple video feeds, detecting and classifying objects, people and behaviors in real time. This tech can identify suspicious activities such as loitering, abandoned objects or unauthorized access attempts, automatically alerting operators to potential threats. The AI’s ability to maintain consistent vigilance across numerous cameras at the same time dramatically expands the effective coverage area of security operations without requiring additional human resources.

But what the technology can do to address incoming alarms is what is making the biggest waves. AI-enabled platforms can leverage an AI operator to verify alarms, review camera footage, add notes to incidents, dispatch guards, resolve incidents and escalate high-priority events to human supervisors. The AI can analyze security feeds in real time and maintain meticulous incident records, reducing the opportunity for human error. It’s truly changing the way security operations are managed.

The biggest impact? The business

The integration of AI into security operations delivers substantial benefits across the business. Organizations typically see decreased staffing requirements for routine monitoring tasks, reduced training costs through automated assistance and lower incident-related expenses through improved prevention and faster response times. The ability to handle increased security coverage without proportional increases in staffing creates significant scalability advantages.

Perhaps most importantly, AI integration elevates the role of physical security within organizations. Rather than being viewed merely as a necessary cost center, security operations can demonstrate tangible value through improved efficiency, enhanced risk management and direct contributions to business continuity. Elevating security operations aligns with C-level priorities for risk mitigation and operational excellence.

Where do humans fit?

Contrary to common concerns, AI implementation in security operations isn’t about replacing human operators – it’s about augmenting their capabilities and elevating their roles. By automating routine tasks, AI frees security personnel to focus on strategic decision making and complex threat assessment. This shift transforms security roles from passive monitoring to active analysis and strategic planning, creating more engaging career paths and reducing the burnout that has historically plagued the industry.

So what now?

As we move forward, the successful integration of AI into security operations will require thoughtful planning and implementation. Security leaders tasked with this integration must consider not only the technical requirements but also the human and operational factors that trigger success. Those that carefully plan their AI integration, investing in proper infrastructure, training and change management across teams, will be best positioned to realize the full potential of AI-enabled security operations.

The transformation of GSOCs through AI technology represents not just an operational improvement, but a strategic opportunity to reimagine physical security for the modern era. By embracing this evolution, organizations can create more effective, efficient and responsive security operations that deliver measurable value while better protecting their people, assets and operations.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.