Why Cleanliness Matters in Pubs and Clubs

Customers often judge a business by its cleanliness, such as the state of its restrooms. A clean, well-maintained venue fosters a positive experience, encourages repeat business, and protects your reputation. More importantly, regular and thorough cleaning helps ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of illness, injury, and potential insurance claims.

Professional cleaning staff bring essential skills and equipment to the job. When paired with technology like UniGuardX, their efficiency and accountability reach a new level.

Know Where Your Staff Are: Smarter Tracking, Better Workflows

One of the core features of UniGuardX is its real-time staff tracking system. By placing checkpoints around your venue, cleaners use either a recorder or mobile app to scan in as they complete their tasks. This time- and location-stamped data gives managers a clear picture of where staff are, what tasks have been completed, and how efficiently work is progressing.

This transparency not only ensures duties are completed on time but also allows supervisors to streamline workflows, quickly resolve issues, and reallocate resources where they’re needed most. The result? A cleaner venue, fewer missed tasks, and improved staff performance.

Say Goodbye to Paperwork: Embrace Digital Smart Forms

While many businesses still rely on traditional paperwork, it’s often inefficient and difficult to manage. Physical records can be misplaced, hard to retrieve, and prone to errors. UniGuardX’s digital smart forms offer a modern alternative.

These forms allow cleaners to submit real-time information from the site, including:

• Customised checklists
• Comments and observations
• Photos for visual evidence
• Digital signatures
• Timestamps and geolocations

The benefits are enormous. Smart forms reduce manual data entry errors, ensure legally binding documentation, and enable rich data capture. They also automate reporting, triggering notifications and follow-ups while onsite. Fully customisable, these forms adapt to your specific workflows and team structures.

Better Staff Management Through Data and Automation

Staff-related issues can hinder productivity and increase operational risks. UniGuardX addresses this by improving attendance tracking, performance monitoring, and accountability.

Every interaction with a checkpoint logs valuable data like when and where a task was performed, by whom, and how long it took. This data not only improves real-time decision-making but also builds a reliable history of performance that managers can use to:

• Track KPIs
• Analyse trends
• Allocate resources effectively
• Respond faster to onsite issues via alerts and notifications

Scheduled reports can be automatically generated and shared with managers and clients, providing full visibility without extra administrative burden.

The Bottom Line

In the high-paced environment of pubs and clubs, keeping your venue clean and compliant is non-negotiable. UniGuardX is more than just a tracking tool, it’s a complete staff management and compliance solution that modernises how cleaning businesses operate. With real-time visibility, digital documentation, and performance analytics, your cleaning team can deliver higher standards, reduce risk, and support your business growth.

Ready to elevate your cleaning operations? UniGuardX makes it easy to build a better business through better performance. Contact our sales team today.

The post How UniGuardX is Transforming Pub and Club Cleaning: Better Staff Performance, Smarter Compliance appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

The Indestructible Robust

Many guards didn’t like the Robust iButton wand, as it finally gave managers a way of seeing whether they were doing their rounds properly. Over the years guards have tried all sorts of things to damage the wands, including:

• Repeatedly bashing the wands as they do their rounds
• Dropping the wands off tall buildings
• Crushing and squeezing them
• Driving over the wands
• Throwing them into the sea. 
• Cooking and microwaving them
• Hooking them up to a car battery
• And a few things we’d prefer not to mention!

During all this, the recorders survived to live another day; they just kept going and going! Which is why some are still in use today. Watch for yourself:

The Evolution of UniGuard

Since this time, the UniGuard software and hardware offering has evolved over the years as technology has improved and customer needs developed.

The original software that worked with the Robust iButton Wand was designed as a stand-alone system, with a server-based system coming later. The system works by guards physically touching the Robust wands to an iButton checkpoint. The time and checkpoint number is recorded. At the end of a shift the information is manually downloaded onto the computer where the data can be viewed.

Over time it was recognised that connectivity would help streamline business operations and enable growth. With improving technology, our first web-based platform, UniGuard 12 was created in 2011. UniGuard 12 was designed to work with our Real-Time Recorders that use mobile phone cell-tower connectivity to deliver tracking information in real-time to a central computer. An added benefit was that Real-Time Recorders can work with RFID checkpoints, which don’t need physical contact with the recorder to work.

Smartphone Apps, Bluetooth and NFC

The emergence of smartphones has widened the opportunities for what could be achieved with our attendance verification systems. From this we have developed the UniGuardX app and Dashboard.
The UniGuardX smartphone app works in a similar way to real-time recorders but using NFC checkpoints and Bluetooth beacons instead of RFID. Like Real-Time Recorders, apps do not require the phone to physically touch the checkpoint, and send the data in real-time across the phone networks.

Why Use Phone Apps Over iButton Recorders?

The main reason is the technological improvements; smartphone apps can do so much more than the Robust iButtton Wands. The benefits of using an app include:

• A clean fresh design that works on the latest operating system and multiple devices such as tablets in the field, with updated data security features.
• The software is continually being improved with feature updates that align with the current trends within the industry.
• Data is collected, sent to the dashboard, viewed, analysed and reported on in real-time, allowing for timely responses and better resource management.
• Integrated workflows using in-app forms, which can be set up to collect additional data to time and location, such as text, photos and signatures. Great potential uses include task checklists and incident forms.
• Digital form data is easier to store, retrieve and analyse than paper forms. Idea for both legal and business performance uses.
• Customisable and flexible to fit your business requirements and those of your clients.
• Doesn’t require specialist hardware, and is easy to set up and start using.
• Can be used on any phone so a new staff member can download the app on the way to a job, negating the need to go to the office first to collect the Robust wand.
• For staff safety and compliance, UniGuardX apps offer man-down alerts in real time. When pressed, an alert pops up on the dashboard map, and can also be sent as a text or email.

The industry has gone a long way in the past 25 years, and UniGuard has been there for every step of the journey. Something we will continue into the future.

Want to know more about how UniGuardX can improve your business outcomes? Contact our sales team today.

The post Celebrating Over 25 Years in the Industry appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

The main goal of managing a security guard patrol tour is to improve the security and safety of a premises by maintaining a visible security presence to deter potential threats to individuals or the property. Through the implementation of a well-structured patrol system, security guards can monitor and protect the area more effectively, respond promptly to incidents, and provide a sense of security to occupants and visitors. Key aspects are detailed below.

Training and Communication

The correct training is critical for security guards involved in patrol tour management. They should be trained on patrol procedures, emergency response protocols, and the use of any technology or tools such as UniGuardX that are used in the process. Regular communication with supervisors help keep guards informed about any changes or updates in security protocols.

Patrol Planning

Initially a comprehensive plan of the site or route to be patrolled needs to be created. The patrol routes, the frequency and duration of patrols, and the checkpoints or key areas to be covered need to be determined. The plan should be tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the facility.

Patrol Scheduling

Successful patrol tour management involves instituting a well-defined schedule that outlines when each patrol should take place, the duration of each patrol, and the security officers who should be assigned to each patrol. A reliable tracking system helps guarantee that the facility is consistently protected, and there are no gaps in security coverage.

Checkpoint Locations

Checkpoints need to be placed at important locations where security guards are required visit during their patrols. These checkpoints in the form of NFC tags, RFID tags or Bluetooth beacons should be placed in entrances, exits, or other critical areas. Alternatively, a geofence or virtual checkpoints that relies on GPS can be used. Checkpoints help ensure that guards follow the designated route and complete their patrols as required by the contract.

Real-Time Monitoring

In 2023, patrol tour management systems such as UniGuardX incorporate the latest technology like mobile apps, GPS tracking, and real-time reporting. These tools enable supervisors to monitor the progress of patrols in real-time, making sure that the guards are following the set routes and schedules. It also allows for immediate incident reporting and quick response to emergencies.

Incident Reporting

A part of a security guard’s duty should be to document any incidents or problems they encounter during the patrols. Using the UniGuardX app, this information can be recorded in a custom-made incident report, which includes details such as the time, location, nature of the incident, and any actions taken, photographs and the guard’s signature. Incident reports are an essential tool for maintaining an accurate record of security events and assisting with investigations if needed. Collecting and keeping this information in digital form makes storing and reporting such information easy.

Performance Monitoring

Regular evaluation and feedback is essential for maintaining a high standard of security. UniGuardX makes it easy for supervisors to conduct periodic assessments of patrol performance, reviewing reports, analysing patrol data, and providing constructive feedback to security personnel. This process helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that security guards are effectively fulfilling their duties.

Management and Client Reporting

Using automatically scheduled and generated reports, supervisors can easily keep senior management informed of their operations. For the maintenance of contract, custom reports can also be scheduled to be sent to clients with the important information they need to know, in an easy-to-read format.

Summing Up

Overall, security guard patrol tour management is an essential component of an effective security scheme. By implementing proper planning, using the UniGuardX app, and maintaining regular supervision, organisations can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of security patrols, contributing to a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

If you are looking for a high-quality guard tour management system that meets your needs, contact our sales team today.

The post How To Do a Good Security Guard Patrol Tour appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

The pandemic has pushed security staff to the frontline, many of whom have become sick and been absent from work. Some have subsequently left the industry.

At the same time economic pressures have simultaneously pushed up the costs of running a business and driven staff to want higher wages while customers expect better value for money. Some businesses have gone into liquidation as a result.

The Pressure of Doing Business

Company managers now need to more than ever, consider the value and cost of every aspect of their business. In such an environment it can be tempting to cut all costs to a minimum. But doing so may cause unforeseen problems in other areas of operation.

So, how do you decide what is worth spending money on and what is vital to maintaining a viable operation into the future?

Finding Value for Money in Technology

For many successful businesses in the security industry, the answer to this question lies in the increase adoption of advanced technologies to compliment or replace traditional methods.

Such technologies satisfy the customer need for proof of service and transparency of operations, while at the same time give the security operator an edge over their competitors when tendering for and maintaining contracts.

In fact, nowadays, many customers expect that security providers will use the latest technology and won’t work with a company that doesn’t.

A Blended Solution

Savvy operators have also found that the best solution is a mixture of the old and the new. One such example is with the replacement of mobile security patrols with high resolution cameras. On the surface, this initially seems to be a better value alternative.

Unfortunately, as good as these cameras are, even the best placement cannot allow every part of a site to be covered, and many issues are missed as a result. As well, a visible presence of a security guard is still a good deterrent that many customers appreciate.

A mixture of in-person mobile patrols and cameras combines the best of both to give the greatest overall coverage to meet the customers’ needs.

Guard Tour Management Systems

Advanced technologies like Guard Tour Management Systems (GTMS) should also be used to get the best out of mobile patrols while increasing the customer satisfaction with the service.

GTMS work by tracking the movement of the guard through the interaction of a recording device carried by the guard with checkpoints placed around a site. Checkpoints can come in many forms but the most durable and secure use RFID, NFC or Bluetooth technologies.

When UniGuard introduced GTMS to the Australian market over 20 years ago, the recorders were purpose built for the industry. Purpose built recorders are still in use, while in recent years a new method of using apps on smartphones has also become available.

The Benefits of Using a GTMS

The main benefit of using a Guard Tour Management System is accountability. GTMS allow supervisors to track their guard performance and use this information to better manage and improve the efficiency of the workforce, which can ultimately save on costs.

Customers like the transparency as they can easily see that they are getting the service they are paying for. Proving good service helps to retain customer contracts.

What Makes GTMS Apps Better?

Guard tour management apps have several advantages over other systems. This helps make the app more versatile and better suited to operating environment many businesses find themselves in today.

More recently developed systems, including apps and some purpose-built recorders, operate in real-time. This means that the position and time of the guard is sent back to the supervisor via the cellular phone network. The supervisor can then view guard activity, including incident alerts, live using the application dashboard.

A good GTMS app also offers the flexibility of choice between IOS and Android phones. This allows the security company to either install the app on a company phone or allow the guard to use their own phone. The system can even be installed on a Push-To-Talk radio such as the UG-725.

Digital Forms, the Special Feature

The standout feature that really sets the UniGuardX GTMS app apart from other systems are the digital smart forms. These do much more than simply track the time and location of the guard.

With smart forms, guards can carry useful paperwork with them in their phone. These forms can collect additional site information such as checklists, comments, photos and signatures. Smart forms are fully flexible and can be customised to the requirements of the security business. Potential uses include:

• Security and safety checklists
• Vandalism or incident reports
• Entrances/exit lock up checks
• Run sheets
• Contract, ASIAL and SLED compliance
• Visible proof of service.

When a guard submits as form, the information is sent directly to the dashboard, where the supervisor is alerted. Data can be collected for analysis, secure storage, easy retrieval, and automatic scheduled reporting to customers, all of which saves both time and money in the long term. Ultimately, enhanced tracking means better business outcomes.

Why Should Security Companies Use UniGuard?

In a rapidly changing industry, businesses need to adapt and become more agile to survive. Using the latest technological innovations will give any business the edge over their competition.

Unlike other businesses that sell similar services, UniGuard has been working closely with the Australian security industry for over 20 years finding innovative technological solutions to the unique challenges of the industry.  With an understanding of the industry, along with local personalised service and support, UniGuard has enabled our valued customers to grow their businesses.

If you are looking for a high-quality guard tour management system that meets your needs, contact our sales team today.

The post Technological Solutions for the Security Industry appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

The statistics can be viewed in our Slips, Trips, and Falls infographic.

When personal injury claims are also considered, preventing accidents is good for business as well. In fact, many businesses that are open to the public are now expected to not just take preventative measures, but also collect an irrefutable record of the measures if they want to be able to access Public Liability Insurance.

The UniGuardX staff tracking software creates an electronic record of staff activities, such as showing 20-minute cleaning rotation compliance. As well, the unique tracking form builder can replace paper forms, creating a permanent record of all tasks, incidents and audits that is unalterable and easily accessible.

Want to learn more about how UniGuardX can prevent injuries and reduce the risk of costly insurance claims, contact our sales team today.

The post Slip, Trip and Fall Statistics appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

Apart from functionality and cosmetic differences in the software, the main difference between various systems is the types of hardware used within in the system, both the recording devices and the checkpoints placed around the location where tracking will occur.

In this article I will give an overview and comparison of all the main checkpoints in use. Further information on each checkpoint type can be found in other articles on the UniGuard website.

What Are Checkpoints and How Do They Work?

Staff tracking systems monitor the movement of users through logging the interactions between a recording device carried by the user and checkpoints strategically placed around the work location or route. The recording device registers the unique identifying number stored on the checkpoint along with the time and date. This identifying number is matched to the location by an application on a central computer system. See How Tacking Works for a more detailed description.

What Are the Different Types of Checkpoints?

There are basically 8 main technologies used to verify the locations of user using a staff tracking system, these are:

• iButton (also called the Dallas Key)
• Barcode
• QR (Quick Response) Code
• Passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
• Active RFID
• NFC (Near Field Communication)
• BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
• GPS (Global Positioning System) and geofences

GPS and geofences work in a different way to checkpoints and as such will be described in another article.

How Do the Different Checkpoints Rate?

Each of these checkpoints vary in the method information is stored on the checkpoint and the hardware that can be used with the checkpoints. This affects the cost, durability, reliability, and usability of the systems. A quick comparison is shown the following table, with each of these characteristics elaborated further below.

Which is the Most Durable Checkpoint?

By far the most durable system is the Robust recorders and associated iButton checkpoints. The UniGuard Robust recorder range has been built with the heavy handling of the security industry in mind. Over the years we have had security guards do many things to try and break the recorders including:

• Repeatedly bashed
• Dropped from a building
• Run over by a car
• Thrown in the sea
• Heated
• Microwaved
• Attached to a car battery
• Placed in a urinal.

Each time, the Robust recorder has still worked. The iButton checkpoints are just as tough and are designed to survive being scratched, repeatedly hit, or immersed in sea water. Although iButtons have a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty they last much longer even in harsh outdoor settings.

Which is the Best Value for Money?

This really depends on what you need. Although QR codes and barcodes are cheap, they have a lot of problems that will cost money in the long run, the most notable being that the QR code checkpoints are both easily damaged and copied by the staff. Many businesses are now moving away from these systems as a result.

Another alternative are smartphone apps, used in conjunction with NFC checkpoints which are more durable and much harder to copy than QR codes. Smartphone apps can even be downloaded onto the staffs’ own phones as long as their phone is compatible with both the app and can read NFC checkpoints.

Which is the Most Secure?

This depends on what you mean by secure. In terms of whether or not staff can replicate a checkpoint to swipe away from the work location at the predefined time, the iButton is the hardest. But all of these checkpoints are extremely hard to copy apart from QR codes and barcodes, which can be easily photographed and printed off.

If you are concerned about people getting the data off the checkpoint, then any system that requires specialist hardware is technically more secure. However, the only information contained on a checkpoint, regardless of the type is a unique identifying number. This information is useless to anyone who doesn’t have access to the central database where the tracking data, company information, or the software to access this data is store. UniGuard only uses secure cloud services.

Which System Has the Most Versatility?

That really depends on what you mean by versatility and what you are looking for in a system. All systems, even purpose-built ones can be designed to do more than record the time and location of the staff. It is common for systems to have lone worker features for example.  

A good smartphone-based system (that works with NFC and Bluetooth LE) can take this further by giving the user the flexibility to determine the extra information that is collected. This can include custom designed checklists, written comments, photographs and user signatures.

Which is the Best Checkpoint to Use with Phones?

This will depend on the use case. To be able to work, any system that relies on smartphone apps, can only work on newer phone that are compatible with both the software and checkpoint hardware.

NFC checkpoints are small, cheap, durable and don’t rely on batteries, and so are suitable for both indoor and outdoor locations, such as building entrances and bin enclosures. However, staff need to intentionally swipe the checkpoint for a reading. This is good for precise positioning, especially in tight location such as toilet stalls but can be a problem if this impedes their work, for example a cleaner who needs both hands free.

Bluetooth beacons send a signal to the recorder negating the need for the staff member to swipe anything. However, beacons, need batteries and it’s better to avoid using them in some locations such as harsh environments or small rooms where the signal can leak out and cause interference.

Although barcodes and QR codes can be use with smartphones, it is not recommended due to lack of durability, reliability, or security.

My Staff Break Phones, Is There an Alternative?

An inexpensive alternative to staff damaging company phones, is to get them to use their own device. The problem with this is the potential for employees have the excuse to use their phone for non-work purposes during work time, distracting them from what they really should be doing.

Another alternative is to use hardware that has been purpose-built for the job, such as real-time recorders. These devices are tougher and more durable than smartphones and only have the functionality needed to complete the required tasks, no distractions. They are potentially more secure as well.

Real-time systems use RFID, which is just another form of NFC. There are two types of checkpoints, passive RFID which operate in the same way as NFC checkpoints, and active RFID which operates in a similar way to Bluetooth beacons.

Which is the Best Checkpoint to Use?

That all depends on what you want to use it for. The truth is all these different types of hardware have both good points and bad points. However, one system will always be better for any particular application, and many of the pitfalls of using a specific system over another can be avoided with awareness of how each hardware type works.

This is the reason UniGuard offers more than one kind of tracking hardware, so that our customers have the flexibility to mix and match the best system for each situation.

If you would like to find out more about which system is the best for your business, contact our sales team today.

The post The Best Staff Tracking Checkpoints appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

What are QR Codes?

QR codes are a type of 2-dimensional barcode and work using the same basic principle. Barcodes were invented by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver as a way of visualising data in a machine-readable format. They based their idea off morse code. After they patented the barcode in 1951, different types of barcodes were trialled in a variety of scenarios such as for tracking rail cars.

However, a commercially reliable barcode system wasn’t accepted until 1974 when a type of barcode called the Universal Product Code was created and adopted by the retail sector. The first thing that was scanned was a 10 pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum. Uses for barcodes have expanding from this time, as has the variety of barcode, including 2-dimensional versions.

The QR code was invented in 1994 by the Japanese automotive company Denso Wave to track components on high-speed assembly lines during the manufacture of vehicles. Originally, QR codes were relatively small but over time the newer versions that have been created are larger, store more information, and can be read more accurately, even with a small fraction of the code missing.

How Do QR Codes Work?

Fundamentally, all barcodes encode some sort of information (usually a number), in the form of a pattern on a surface, for example black and white lines on a piece of paper. However, barcodes have been created in a range of patterns and colours. The barcode pattern is then read and decoded by some sort of purpose-built optical scanner.

QR codes are made of a matrix of black and white squares. Due to the complicated 2-dimensional pattern, QR codes can only be read by a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) such as the digital camera of a smartphone. A software application loaded onto the processor within the phone then digitally analyses the pattern.

First, three distinctive squares at the corners of the QR code image are located, and then a smaller square (or multiple squares) near the fourth corner is used to normalize the image for size, orientation, and angle of viewing. The small dots throughout the QR code are then converted to binary numbers and validated with an error-correcting algorithm. The time taken to read and process the QR code depends on the quality of both the camera and the code.

Although a variety of information can be encoded on a QR code the only information needed for staff attendance tracking systems is a unique ID number.

What Are Some of the Uses for QR Codes?

Apart from automotive industry QR codes have had increasing use in the past two years due to the adoption of the technology for smartphones, particular for COVID-19 contact tracing. Because QR codes can be easily created and printed, QR codes can potentially have a wide variety of used where information can be shared such as marketing in magazines and shop posters. Other uses include ticketing, product tracking, menus, Wi-Fi logins, business cards and payments.

Security and QR Codes

The widespread adoption of QR Codes with smartphones and the ease at which information can be passed from the code to phone has raised issues surrounding security. In particular, the ability of QR codes to automatically connect to a Wi-Fi network or website URL means that criminals can potentially use QR codes for nefarious or malicious purposes. From this the QR code can allow access to various parts of the phone depending on the user’s privacy settings such as,

• the camera
• the microphone
• the GPS
• full Internet access
• read browser history
• passwords
• transactions
• read and write contact data
• read and write local storage such as files
• global system changes.

The QR code may even give access to the phone privacy settings. This can enable identity theft, the loading of malicious software such as viruses, or make the phone call or SMS predefined number. Such QR codes can be placed over legitimate codes.

QR codes used for payments have a special security feature embedded within the code, where some of the segments must be read by an encryption key.

What’s Good About QR Codes?

Like NFC and passive RFID tags, QR codes require contactless interactions without the need for a battery. However, the main advantage of QR codes is the initial low cost of setting up the system. This is because these systems are promoted as an app that runs on a personal phone owned by the staff members and checkpoints made of stickers that the managers can download and print themselves. Although this system can be cheap to run, it comes with many hidden costs.

Copying QR Codes

The ease at which QR codes can be printed by the business manager also makes it very easy for staff to photograph and print copies of the QR codes. The staff member can then keep copies of these codes on themselves, and scan them at the pre-determined time, regardless of whether they are at the correct location and doing their duties. QR codes make it too easy for staff to get away with not doing their job.

Special QR codes are available that cannot be as easily copied and printed, but these are much more expensive to produce as they need specialist software and equipment, which takes away the only advantage of using QR codes in the first place.

The Readability of QR Codes

Because of the reliance on a camera reading a pattern printed onto a surface, QR codes can have readability issues compared to other types of checkpoints. Various factors can make a QR code difficult to read including the print quality, dirt, damage, surface reflections, scanning angle, and lighting.

To be read, a QR code needs the staff member to not just have their phone set to read the code, but they need to purposefully line up the camera on the phone at a suitable distance from the QR code and hold it in this position until the code is read. Poor readability can add to the time it takes for a phone to read and analyse the QR code. In some cases, the code may not be readable at all.

Checkpoint Durability

Apart from being easily copied, the other big disadvantage of using QR codes is a lack of durability. This is due to the QR code (and its information), being printed on a sticker which can be easily damaged, whereas other types of checkpoints have the chip, with the vital information enclosed in a protective case.

QR codes have been designed to be readable with a small part of the code missing but cannot be read if there is significant damage or key sectors of the code are missing. The most likely parts of a QR code to be damaged are on the outside of the code, these are also the areas with most of the important information.

More durable waterproof vinyl stickers have a plastic surface which are harder to print small, clean, crisp and smudge-proof detailed information. As well, these stickers can reflect light and therefore be harder to read. Placing the QR code behind glass or a plastic coating can also introduce issues with reflected light.

QR Codes and Smartphone Compatibility

Apart from being able to make checkpoints inhouse, the other big appeal of QR codes is that the app can be installed on the staffs’ personal phones, negating the need to purchase specialist hardware. This relies on the assumption that all staff members have QR code compatible phones.

Generally, newer smartphones (that is Android 8 or iOS 11 and higher), will have a QR code reader built into the operating system, but this is not totally guaranteed for cheaper phones. Older devices need to have an external app downloaded onto the phone to be able to read a QR code, and in many cases the app may not work or cause other issues on the phone.

Compatibility problems can be solved by supplying the staff with phones, which will also make it easier to lock the phone for work use only. However, supplying phones will add to the initial set up costs of the system as well as the ongoing costs that come from replacing phones that are much easier to damage than purpose-built hardware.

Summing Up

Yes, the initial cost for using a QR code-based system for staff attendance tracking can be low, but this is offset by long term costs that result from the lack of system usability and reliability. Ultimately, the point of using an electronic tracking system is to prove to your clients that the service has been delivered to the required contractual expectations. This is difficult to prove for a system where the checkpoints are easily damage or copied.

Making copy proof QR codes, and then repeatedly replacing damaged checkpoints adds cost to using the system. Along with frustration. UniGuard has considered offering QR codes but decided against doing so because we value both our reputation, and that of our customers.

If you are looking for a high-quality staff attendance tracking system that meets your needs, contact our sales team today.

The post How Do QR Code Checkpoints Work? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

What are iButtons?

Essentially, an iButton is a computer microchip encased within a small 16mm diameter stainless-steel case. iButtons (which also go by the name Dallas Key), are a type of 1-Wire device in a self-contained format. 1-Wire is a simplified data communications system between compatible devices, that allows low-speed data, signalling, and power over a single power/data wire, although technically the device also has a ground wire.

Both 1-Wire and iButtons were originally developed by the Dallas Semiconductor Corporation several decades ago.

How Do iButtons Work?

iButtons are similar to NFC, RFID and BLE checkpoints in that the iButtons contain a small memory chip where a small amount of data, usually a unique ID number is stored. The main difference is in the way iButtons transfer information to the recorder.

This is achieved through a physical connection that is initiated when a user touches an iButton with the reader head of the recorder, long enough to hear an indicator beep and blue light. While connected the battery in the recorder powers the chip inside the iButton that then sends the ID number to the recorder for storage within the recorder memory chip, along with the time and date. A similar process can be used to transfer this information to a computer for analysis and reporting, or alternatively the data can be sent in real time using the cellular telecommunications networks.

The case of the iButton acts as both a strong protective shield for the memory chip and the terminals that connect and transfer power and data between the chip and the recorder device. The lid acts as the data/power terminal, the base acts as the ground, and are separated by a polypropylene grommet.

Due to the presence of a chip some iButtons have the ability to both read and write as well as sorting different types of data, however the iButtons used for the staff attendance tracking checkpoints only need to read-only.

Why Are They Still In Use?

Basically, because they are very tough. Of all the different types of staff attendance systems available, iButtons and the Robust recorders are the most durable and long lasting.

The iButton casing is designed to withstand harsh and demanding environments and can survive large mechanical stresses such as being dropped, scratched, stepped on or repeatedly hit. Additionally, it is also water resistant and can endure being immersed in sea water and most common chemicals. Robust recorders are equally tough. Due to the rugged design the iButton is guaranteed for 10 years but in reality, last much longer.

Being built to operate in a temperature range of -40 to 70°C, the metal casing protects the ID number on the microchip from damage or changed due to radiation from magnetic fields such as from metal detectors. This also includes radio and microwave signals. Along with the mechanism of use, this means that the iButton is not prone to potential interference from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

What Are Some of the Uses For iButtons?

Because the chip within the iButton has a unique identifier code or number, is secure and small enough to fit on a key fob, the iButton can be used for a range of applications. Uses include access control, locks, manufacturing controls, time clocks, smart transport tickets, and checkpoints for time and attendance verification.

The Good and the Bad of iButton Checkpoints

As has already been explained, the biggest advantage of iButtons over other checkpoints is durability. Apart from being almost indestructible, the checkpoint does not require a battery and is very secure because they can only be read by specialist equipment. This also means that it is functionally impossible to copy or spoof the checkpoints, something some staff do to avoid having to do their rounds.

The need for specialist hardware can also be seen as a downside for people looking for a staff attendance tracking system that can be run on the staffs’ smartphones. The other potential disadvantage is that the hardware must make contact with the checkpoint to be read. This also mean that the reading may not work if either the checkpoint or recorder are wet or dirty, therefore the checkpoint may need cleaning occasionally.

Summing Up

Robust recorders and iButton checkpoints are the ideal attendance tracking system for business operating in harsh environment and are particularly suited for mobile security patrols of isolated outdoor locations. UniGuard also offers a real-time system for managers wanting to transition from a Robust system without the hassle of replacing all the iButton checkpoints with RFID or NFC checkpoints.

If you are looking for the toughest staff attendance tracking system in the marketplace, contact our sales team today.

The post How Do iButton Checkpoints Work? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a method of portable information storage. An RFID tag consists of a small memory chip to store information and some sort of radio transmitter/receiver. The tag is read using an electromagnetic field. RFID can be either passive, active or semi-active.

People started exploring the idea of using this method of information tagging in the 1940’s but the first RFID device was patented in 1973. Since this time the adoption of RFID technology has been slow as it was expensive compared to competing systems like barcodes.

Recently there has been more uptake in the use of RFID due to expansions in digital technologies such as smart devices and the internet of things, along with cheaper manufacturing techniques.

How Does Passive RFID Work?

Passive RFID tags are activated via inductive coupling. Inside the tag is a memory chip containing a small amount of information. This memory chip is attached to a radio chip and an antenna for receiving and transmitting signals. The tag is read in the following way.

• An RFID reading device (or recorder) is held near the tag.
• The recorder generates an electromagnetic field which then generates a current within the RFID tag antenna via magnetic induction.
• The current powers the memory chip inside the tag, and a short signal with information such as an ID number is sent back to the recorder.

The RFID tag does not need a battery because it is powered by the recorder, which means that it can be fully enclosed in a durable plastic casing. Some tags are also made from paper, silicon or glass, with a printed metal or carbon circuit.

Are There Difference Types of RFID?

From a technological perspective, RFID is a general concept, and so RFID tags and recorders are manufactured to a very broad range of specifications. For example, UniGuard passive RFID tags operate at a frequency of 125 kHz, which means there is less chance of interference or disruption from Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which operate at a different frequency.

Passive RFID tags are manufactured with three different storage types, read-write, read-only and WORM (write once, read many). The checkpoints used in staff attendance verifications systems require small read-only tags, which are simpler and therefore cheaper. These tags have a pre-assigned unique ID number stored in the memory.

What Are Active RFID Checkpoints?

Active RFID checkpoints are similar to passive tags in that they have an internal microchip for storing and transmitting information, along with an antenna. However, instead of being powered by the recorder, active RFID checkpoints have an internal battery that allows the checkpoint to send out signals up to 100 m away. This mean that active checkpoints cost a little more than passive tags due to more internal hardware.

Within a staff attendance tracking system, active checkpoints are designed to periodically transmit a unique ID number. This is registered by the recorder when in range. The range of the active checkpoint can be varied depending on requirements.

Although RFID checkpoints can be designed to operate at a range of frequencies, they are generally set to work in the range of 2.4000 to 2.4835 GHz because these frequencies are free to operate in, unlike other frequencies that are reserved for special use, or require expensive licences to use.

What Are Some of the Uses For RFID?

Initially the uses for RFID tags were limited to niche markets like monitoring livestock due to the high cost. As the technology has improve the tags have become smaller, more durable, and cheaper. The tags can be used in a similar way to barcodes in tracking items but are more secure. Because of this, RFID is used in a range of applications such as credit/debit cards, toll passes, access keys, identity cards, rail tickets, passports, and pet microchips.

The Good and the Bad of RFID Checkpoints

RFID checkpoints operate in a similar way to NFC tags and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, with one crucial difference. NFC and BLE have been developed to be specifically used with mobile phones, whereas RFID is a more generalised technology.

Although there is nothing stopping manufactures from making phones compatible with a broader range of RFID tags, what makes RFID based staff tracking systems special is that the specialist hardware has been designed and built to industry specific specifications. This means that the recorders are much tougher than standard smartphones with functionality limited to the job at hand. No distractions like social media.

Another big advantage of using a specially designed RFID system is that it is much harder for staff to copy or “spoof” checkpoints. This is something some staff try to do to get out of doing the job by keeping a copy of the checkpoints in a convenient location, and is often done with QR code-based systems.

Best Uses for RFID Checkpoints

Making a choice between using passive or active RFID checkpoints will depend on what is the intended use. With passive checkpoints being smaller, cheaper, and more durable without the need for batteries, and active checkpoints able to be used at a much longer range.

Active checkpoints are best suited to indoor and sheltered areas where staff need to have their hands free for duties such as cleaning, as recorders register the positions of the checkpoints without needing to be swiped. Care does need to be taken when positioning checkpoints as recorders can detect more than one checkpoint at a time.

Passive checkpoints are inexpensive and versatile, being able to be used in all other situations, both indoor and outside. Tag can be placed on walls, doors or other objects such as bin and require contactless interaction by swiping over the tag.

Summing Up

RFID-Based staff tracking systems are a good alternative when a durable real-time system is required. Being purpose-built, along with the software, the hardware is design specifically to industry standards in terms of durability and functionality.

If you are looking for a staff attendance tracking system that has been customised for use within your industry, contact our sales team today.

The post How Do RFID Checkpoints Work? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

What is NFC?

Near Field Communication or NFC is one of many different types of RFID technology, and as such, is not considered to be a separate, or newer technology. Instead, NFC is a communication standard for RFID developed specifically for incorporating RFID technology into mobile phones.

The NFC standards were first set out in 2004, by the NFC Forum, a consortium formed by Nokia, Sony and Philips. Since this time, further adjustments have been made to the NFC standards. As with all new ideas, it has taken time for the standard to be fully adopted by the telecommunications industry. As a result, many phones, particularly older and less expensive phone, do not incorporate the chip and are not NFC enabled.

How Does NFC Work?

Inside an NFC checkpoint can be found a memory chip with a small amount of storage which is attached to an antenna. The memory chip is activated using inductive coupling. Basically, this works in the following way.

• NFC enabled smartphone is held near the NFC checkpoint and a user selects to read the checkpoint.
• The phone generates an electromagnetic field which then generates a current in the checkpoint antenna through a phenomenon called induction.
• This powers the chip which sends a short signal, with information such as an ID number to the phone via the antenna.

Because the NFC checkpoint is powered by the phone, it does not need a battery and can be fully enclosed in a durable casing.

To be able to read an NFC checkpoint, a smartphone needs to both have an NFC chip embedded into the phone and an NFC reading app installed. Users activate the checkpoint read through the app on the phone.

NFC signals are transmitted at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, which is different from the more commonly used frequency used by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. As a result, signal interference and disruption are much less of an issue.

Are There Different Types of NFC Tags?

Currently there are 5 different types of NFC tags available, which offer different data capacities and transfer rates depending on the required use. Some are read-only, while others are capable of being re-written. All of these features affect both the size and cost of the tags.

NFC tags used for checkpoints in staff tracking systems tend to be smaller and read-only and are therefore very cost effective.

What Are Some of the Uses For NFC?

The increasing adoption of NFC chips in the latest smartphones has resulted in a range of uses for NFC tags, particularly in situations where only a quick exchange of a small amount of digitised information is required. One of the most common is credit card tap and payment. Other uses include ticketing, airline boarding passes, and the tracking of staff or assets.

The Good and the Bad of NFC Checkpoints

NFC is much the same as RFID with the added bonus of being usable with smartphone apps. This can make a system using NFC a relatively cheap option as you can get your staff to use their own phones, as long as they have an NFC enabled phone.

The downside with staff using their own phone is the potential distraction from completing work tasks. This problem can be reduced by using a company supplied phone, but this will add to the cost. Mobile phones are also not as durable as purpose-built hardware and are also subject to updates of the operating system.

Comparing NFC with Bluetooth LE, which can also be used with smartphones, NFC works at significantly shorter range, shorter even than most other RFID. This means that NFC is a contactless technology but must still be swiped at close range. This is an advantage in situations where the time and location of staff members need to be accurately determined. NFC checkpoints also work well in small rooms such as toilets where Bluetooth signals can leak between rooms.

The other big advantage NFC has over Bluetooth LE is that NFC checkpoints don’t actively send out signals and therefore don’t need batteries, are relatively simple to make, thus cheaper, and can be fully encased making them more durable and weatherproof.

Summing Up

NFC tags are the cheap and versatile checkpoints for staff verification and tracking mobile phone apps, as they can be used both indoors and outside. Well-designed tags can be placed on any surface including metal, making them suitable to be placed on walls, doors or inside items like bins.

If you are using a smartphone-based staff attendance tracking system, there a plenty of good reasons to use NFC checkpoints. Want to find out more contact our sales team today.

The post How Do NFC Checkpoints Work? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.