by Satyajit Roy
As a security professional, I’ve often seen companies fall into the trap of believing that technology alone can solve their operational challenges. Dashboards, AI, automation—these sound impressive, and in presentations, they look even better. But when you peel back the layers, many times you discover there is no strong foundation underneath.
I once worked closely with a founder who was obsessed with dashboards and automation. The company had invested heavily in advanced reporting systems, predictive analytics, and big screens that made everything look “cutting edge.” Yet, on the ground, nothing was standardized. Guard deployment was inconsistent, electronic systems lacked proper documentation, and training was irregular.
The result was predictable: chaos. Despite all the flashy tools, problems kept resurfacing, rework was rampant, and the team was burning out. It wasn’t until they went back to basics—building repeatable processes, documenting them, and training rigorously—that progress truly began. From there, optimization and innovation finally became possible.
And that’s when it clicked for me: the boring foundation work isn’t optional. It’s the multiplier that makes every optimization and innovation successful.
The Hard Truth
Here’s what I’ve observed across industries, but especially in security:
- 95% of companies are stuck in Chaos
- Only 4% progress to Optimization
- A rare 1% ever reach true Innovation
Why? Because most mistake activity for progress.
I see leadership teams constantly spinning their wheels in crisis mode:
- “We’ll implement AI next quarter.”
- “We need better dashboards.”
- “Let’s automate everything.”
But here’s the brutal truth: you can’t automate chaos.
The OpEx Funnel
To achieve operational excellence, we must move systematically through what I call the OpEx Funnel—five stages that build on each other. Skip one, and everything collapses. Master them, and your company rises above the competition.
Stage 1 – Chaos
- Constant firefighting.
- Every task feels urgent.
- Teams exhausted by rework, low morale.
This is survival mode. Unfortunately, most companies live here permanently.
Stage 2 – Standardization
- Defining repeatable processes.
- Documenting every critical step.
- Training staff until consistent execution becomes second nature.
This is the foundation. It may not feel glamorous, but nothing scalable can happen without it.
Stage 3 – Optimization
- Removing waste and redundancy.
- Identifying and eliminating bottlenecks.
- Using real data to make systems lean and effective.
Here, efficiency and reliability take root.
Stage 4 – Automation
- Deploying technology to do the heavy lifting.
- Tools now work because they reinforce standardized systems.
Without the groundwork of stages 2 and 3, automation becomes a fast track to failure.
Stage 5 – Innovation
- Operations shift from being a burden to being your ultimate differentiator.
- You’re no longer just running a business, you’re creating breakthroughs.
This is where the 1% thrive. They “print money” while competitors are buried in busywork.
Why This Matters for Security Companies
In the security industry—whether it’s physical guarding, manpower tech integration, or sophisticated electronic systems—we face daily pressure to keep up with the next shiny innovation:
- AI-powered surveillance.
- Automated workforce scheduling.
- Predictive threat analytics.
I’ll be candid: these technologies excite me too. They have incredible potential. But if your foundation is weak, they create more confusion than clarity. You cannot build a skyscraper on quicksand.
- Standardize.
- Optimize.
- Automate.
- Innovate.
This structured approach is how we ensure operational excellence and position ourselves as a market leader in security solutions.
Because the companies that survive the next decade won’t be the ones with the flashiest technology. They will be the ones that execute flawlessly, every single time.
So, my advice to leaders in security: stop chasing shiny objects. Start building operational excellence. If you’d like to learn more, connect with me. I regularly share structured tutorials and offer personal mentoring to help security companies achieve high proficiency in the private security domain.
About Commander Satyajit Roy
As a distinguished Indian Navy veteran, author, and keynote speaker, I share insights on security, leadership, and geo-political strategy shaped by four decades of experience. Recognized globally, I engage diverse audiences with thought leadership, fostering resilience, innovation, and strategic vision across military, corporate, and public sectors.
