Approach Used in Building Sustainable Competitive Advantage in the Security Industry: the Case of Warrior Insight Ltd

Abstract

This study aimed to identifying approach used in building sustainable competitive advantage among private security companies in Kenya. Primary data was collected from eleven middle management staffs of various departments at Warrior INSIGHT in Nairobi using an interview guide. The data collected was analysed using content analysis method. The text including interview transcript were analysed to determine the frequency of specific words or phrases describing ideas that have been employed by the company to build competitive advantage. The study found that the main approach to build sustainable competitive advantage in the security industry by Warriors INSIGHT is by embracing technological innovation. Warrior INSIGHT is providing security surveillance services by use of a Remote Surveillance (RS24) system, a security system using a combination of 24-hour CCTV smart cameras, virtual trip wires, and voice intervention technologies to deliver security surveillance services. This product is designed to effectively counter rising industrial and business crime rates. The RS24 is a combination of a Video Management System (VMS) and Alarm Management System (AMS). Although a comparatively higher cost of installation, the system is cheap to maintain and is proving to be the best alternative to traditional security products and services. Additionally, Warrior INSIGHT provides security information services that include alerts and analysis of security incidences as a way of empowering its clients to make informed decision that controls security risks. All these services are viewed to be helping the company gain competitive advantage. To sustain the service delivery, Warrior INSIGHT, is continually conducting independent surveys to obtain feedbacks from both the clients and employees, staff’s performance management and continuous monitoring of the strategy implementation to evaluate and control strategy. Warrior INSIGHT Limited has been successful in neutralizing technology innovativeness by use of RS24 security system in the security industry. However, the study recommends that the company should engage in cost leadership strategy in order to effectively compete with rival’s cheap traditional products. The company will be able to achieve this by increasing operational efficiency thus eliminating wastages and duplications.