Case Studies
You can read a sample of some of the operations we have conducted on behalf of our clients. If you have a similar problem, simply call or email us to receive a proposal.
Old Mutual 
Situation:
Following demutualization in 1999, South Africa’s oldest insurer, Old Mutual needed to reassess its security requirements. However, with over 4 250 security companies operating in South Africa, the Client needed to select a security service provider that was both reputable and able to counter current and future threats to the company.
Problem:
Faced with a large number of companies vying for the business, yet not understanding its own vulnerabilities, the Client needed expert advice to select a preferred security provider.
Solution:
After appointing Zero Foundation to consult on the project, we conducted a vulnerability assessment of the premises, personnel and information resources. Based on this assessment, we developed a Request For Proposal (RFP) document, which was emailed to pre-screened contract security companies.
Based on their responses, a short list was selected and the companies were invited to present their proposals. This saved the Client time and effort because only suitable companies were invited. After reviewing the presentations, a further screening was conducted to determine the operational capabilities and integrity of three selected companies. Once the Client had made a decision, contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLA) were prepared prior to the final negotiations.
Zero Foundation has since conducted periodic reviews of the performance of the service provider to ensure compliance with its contractual obligations.
Master Foods / Mars International
Situation:
Recognising an opportunity to enter the competitive South African pet food market, Mars acquired a small factory in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Owning to their success in penetrating the local market, a decision was made to expand the site and to increase manufacturing capacity.
Problem:
Growth at the premises had been rapid to meet the increasing demand of satisfied customers. However, as the company grew the existing guarding contractor was unable to provide a suitable level of protection. The growth of the business had produced new and sophisticated threats that needed to be addressed.
Solution:
The Master Foods management team appointed Zero Foundation to assist with designing and implementing an enhanced security plan. Our security audit determined areas for improvement and a comprehensive competitive intelligence report identified current and future threats to the Client’s operations. Liaising with the architect, building subcontractors, security equipment suppliers and local law enforcement a security blue print was developed. Once the new site had been completed, the Client enjoyed improved access control, heightened personnel security and the rigorous control of its information resources. As a result, the Client has minimised losses, traded profitably and increased market share.
Blendcor 
Situation:
The only oil lube facility in South Africa, the company had been trading for over twenty-five years. Regarded as the “poor sister” of the oil industry, the company needed to reposition itself as a leading lube manufacturing plant in the world.
Problem:
Owing to poor investment and limited resources, the company had suffered substantial losses over the past few years. There was a need to reform the security management of the operation and to minimise attributable losses and other causes of poor productivity and morale.
Solution:
After retaining the services of Zero Foundation, a vulnerability assessment was undertaken and a threat history was developed. Based on this research, critical areas were identified and subsequently monitored. Theft of product was reduced and losses were controlled which enhanced the profile of the security department. Further work helped change the operations of the security department which had a positive impact throughout the organisation. Within eighteen months, the company complied with all aspects of the oil industry’s benchmarked best practices.
Cricket World Cup 2003 
Situation:
Prior to hosting the Cricket World Cup in South Africa in 2003, the United Cricket Board (UCB) needed to assure foreign sponsors that the tournament would be safe and incident-free. The UCB needed to appoint a professional security company that could select, train and manage the deployment of over 250 close protection operatives (CPO).
Problem:
The South African close protection industry was unregulated and lacked formal training with regards to protecting professional sportsmen and women. The lack of suitably trained individuals and the need to liaise with state agencies meant that the UCB needed to have confidence in the service provider selected to handle such a large, yet sensitive, assignment.
Solution:
In accordance with Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) principles, Zero Foundation formed a joint venture with its BEE partners. This joint venture (www.sportsecuritymanagement.com) selected and trained several hundred CPOs in the art of close protection. Specifically, the training focused on techniques and tactics to make major sporting events safe and incident-free.
SACD 
Situation:
The company handles a large section of the container market processed through the Port of Cape Town. As the company grew, staff were hired but no formal screening process was in place.
Problem:
As staff were recruited on a seasonal or contractual basis, personnel problems began to emerge. An increase in the theft of goods, the unauthorized removal of containers and poor administrative procedures impacted on the Client’s profitability.
To reduce the impact of poorly selected staff the Client required an effective recruitment procedure.
Solution:
Zero Foundation was tasked with providing a safe hiring solution. By conducting an audit of all hirings over the past five years, and reviewing disciplinary hearings, we were able to profile the ideal candidate and to develop job specifications. Once these had been agreed by the Client, a recruitment policy was developed with procedures to screen all applicants before confirming their employment.
As a result, staff turnover was reduced, administrative problems eliminated and the number of insurance claims for lost goods was decreased dramatically.
