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.

What is BLE?

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a set of technological standards for allowing different hardware devices to communicated wirelessly and is one of several systems that do this. BLE works by sending a series of packets of information over the microwave frequency range of 2.4000 to 2.4835 GHz. This is the same frequency range for similar systems such as Wi-Fi, classic Bluetooth, some active RFID devices, and microwave ovens.

Bluetooth Low Energy has been around since 2009 and was named by the Nordic engineers that created the standard after the Danish King Harard Bluetooth who united Denmark with parts of Norway in the 10^th century. King Harard also had a problem with tooth decay.

Why Use the Same Frequency as Wi-Fi?

Developers have intentionally created systems that operate specifically in this range because these frequencies have been set aside by international agreement for the use of industrial, scientific and medical devices (ISM). This makes these frequencies free to operate within, unlike other frequencies that are reserved for special use, or require expensive licences to use.

How Does Bluetooth Work?

Bluetooth works by two devices pairing, in a process where the devices make contact and verify trust though the use of security keys. Usually, one device sends out signals “advertising” its intent to pair for a particular reason, with the other device scanning for the advertised signal.

When an advertised signal is found the user is asked if they want to pair the devices. Once paired, a stream of information packets (that can be encrypted for extra security), are sent between the devices.

Data is sent using adaptive frequency hopping that reduces, although not eliminates interference from other devices operating in the same frequencies. This process also reduces battery usage.

What Are Some of the Uses For BLE?

The uses for Bluetooth Low Energy have started to explode in recent years particularly as a way of connecting smart devices with each other, or with smartphones. Uses include medical and fitness devices, along with portable speakers and wireless headphones. Staff attendance verification and tracking is another area of increasing use.

The Good and the Bad of Bluetooth Checkpoints

From the perspective of a user, Bluetooth beacons behaves in a similar way to active RFID beacons with some slight differences. The most noticeable is that Bluetooth is natively supported by newer smartphone devices such as iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry, unlike RFID which is not. The benefit of this is that BLE can be used with downloadable apps, which can be cheaper to set up. The downside of this is more with the phone which are not as durable as purpose-built hardware.

NFC checkpoints can also be used with smartphones, are much cheaper, more durable, and don’t require batteries, while Bluetooth beacons are battery operated. Staff location is also more accurately pin-pointed with NFC checkpoints over Bluetooth beacons because the staff need to actively swipe the checkpoint with their phone.

BLE therefore mostly used in indoor situations where you need to record staff movement without them interacting with the checkpoints, or when the checkpoints need to be placed out of the reach of vandalism.

Summing Up

Bluetooth beacons are the idea checkpoint for use with smartphone app-based tracking systems where it is more convenient for staff to not swipe the checkpoint such as cleaners, who need to keep their hands free for other duties. Often beacons are used in conjunction with NFC checkpoints to maximise the advantages of each type of checkpoint.

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

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

Working in isolated and remote locations present certain unique challenges. A lone worker could be anyone who works out of sight of another person, this can include the receptionist of an office building, or even, someone working from home.

Although working in isolation can present difficulties for teams and is particularly hard for the more sociable amongst us, risks are increased when working in locations that are considered remote from towns, cities and other community centres. These risks can be further exacerbated if the work undertaken is also inherently dangerous regardless of the location. The combination of all these risks can present real challenges to both workers and their managers.

Lessons From the Past

Historically, some remote work included working in places such as mines, farms, oil rigs and lighthouses. As difficult as these occupations are, they are all in their own way essential to the rest of society, and therefore necessary. Stories abound about the dangers and hardships face by the people who chose to work in these environments.

In the past, it was a lot harder to remain totally safe working in dangerous occupations in remote locations. Risks varied according to the job and location. For example, it was common for lighthouse keepers to drown or be badly injured trying to reach the lighthouse located on an isolated island, or retrieving supplies brought to the island by boat. There are even stories of lighthouse keepers mysteriously disappearing during stormy weather.

Likewise, outback workers on remote farms in central Australia have occasionally succumbed to the conditions and later been found dead, if at all. However, it is more common for farms workers to be badly injured or even killed by accidents involving the heavy machinery needed to work a farm. Often the injuries are life changing, making it difficult to return to the work force. In the same way, mining and oil rig accidents involving heavy machinery, explosions or the collapse of the mine are also devastating, not just for those involved, but for entire communities.

The Dangers Summarised

Potential dangers that can be faced by people working in remote locations include:

• Accidents, including those involving machinery
• Becoming lost and running out of food or water
• Weather events, including extreme heat and cold
• Drowning
• Physical illness
• Assaults from strangers
• Attack from animals
• Anxiety and depression

As dangerous as these situations can be, they all have the added risk of being far from help when it is needed. This can exacerbate injuries and potentially result in people dying. The truth is, if something goes wrong in a remote area, help will take much longer to reach you, even today.

Solving the Problem Today

In 2021, a lot of the risks can now be reduced or even avoided completely through the use of modern technology. For example. lighthouses are now mostly operated remotely, with only a small number still crewed. However, there is still a need for people to service and repair unmanned lighthouses from time to time, but this is generally during fine weather.

In many other industries there is still a need for people to be working in remote locations. However, telecommunications and tracking devices can be used to reduce the risks when incidents do occur. UniGuard offers a range of GPS trackers and staff attendance verification systems, that help the manager know where their vulnerable staff are, allowing them to response quickly when problems occur.

To learn more about how the UniGuard staff tracking system can help to keep your workers safe, contact us today.

The post Working in Remote Locations appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

Naturally, there has been a rise in associated criminal activity to go along with this increase in the use of the internet, ranging from individual scammers and hackers, through to criminal gangs and state operators looking to steal secrets. It is little wonder then, that many businesses are starting to become more concerned about the security of their confidential information.  

As a result, many business managers want to know more about the background of the software platforms that they are working with, where and how the data is being stored and the background of the companies that provide these services. Following are some key aspects to look for in a software service provider.

What to Look Out For

Initially, when looking for an application to manage some aspect of their business such as attendance verification, business owners and operator are drawn to the cheapest product on the market. In difficult economic times this can be alluring. The problem with this approach is that cheapest doesn’t always equate to best value, and it doesn’t consider other factors that also need to be taken into account.

When a business has been tasked with collecting and storing confidential information, the most important characteristics to look for include:

• security and accessibility of client data
• level of customer service
• compliance to industry standards and regulations
• recognition within the industry, whether formal or informal word of mouth
• long term commitment to, and reliability within the industry
• company structure and risk
• affiliations with client’s competitors
• and if hardware is involved, location of servicing and turn-around time for repairs.

It’s All in the Clouds

Generally, cloud-based storage of data tends to be the industry standard for web-based services, as these services provide the most cost-efficient method to store information with the highest practical level of security. Better quality cloud storage, with a higher level of security are more expensive to access and therefore increase the cost of any web-based service. Many people are willing to pay extra for this peace of mind.

Another associated concern is where the cloud-based servers are located, because some countries have laws in place that allow their government agencies unimpeded access to any data stored within their jurisdiction. These laws are complicated and vary greatly from country to country adding to the confusion. Just for the record, UniGuard uses the highest quality Google servers in Sydney, Australia.

The Wizard Behind the Curtain

Knowing more about the companies to which services are being outsourced is a critical concern for many business operators. They don’t simply want to know the names and faces of the sales representatives, but also the actual background of the company. This includes information on how long the business has been operating, the size of the business, where it is located and who owns and runs the business. The reality is that businesses come in many forms which have their benefits and drawbacks, with some types of businesses naturally more suited to some tasks than others.

Due to businesses needing to retain data for a number of years for legal reasons, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the long-term stability of the company is especially important, and one that people need to be particularly attuned to spotting in the current economic climate.

Dealing with Constant Disruptions

The current fad of disrupter start-ups has flooded the software market with numerous similar looking duplicates of established systems. This has resulted in the crowding of the marketplace for some types of software applications and has caused confusion among potential customers. Although starting a business is perfectly legitimate when someone has a passion for the type of products and services they are offering, many people involved in disrupters have another goal in mind.

By their nature, the intention of disrupters is to take over a particular industry by offering services at prices well below the market rate which established operators can’t compete with. They achieve this by ignoring regulations, underpaying staff and procuring funds from investors eager to make money. Making large sums of easy money is also the intention of the founders of these companies. The goal is to build up the company rapidly and then sell to make a quick and easy profit.

Of course, all this can fall flat. Most of the time they don’t actually fulfill their goals, with the company dissolving leaving many creditors with unpaid debts. This may inspire them to start up another company in a different industry or jurisdiction.

Disrupters are not concerned with the long-term interests of either their customers or investors, and their efforts damage the marketplace for everybody, not just their competitors. Ultimately, the biggest disruption for many businesses is when a service they rely upon is suddenly no longer available, resulting in a loss of clients and reputation.

A good way to avoid the pitfalls of dealing with such a company is to look into the history of a company and then compare them to other companies offering similar services in the industry. Doing so, not only allows you to see if the company is likely to be around for a long time, but also whether they are selling their software at a reasonable price and if the claims they make are true, such as being industry leaders and innovators.

The Competition is Rigged

Sometimes the problem is not so much the stability of the company behind the software platform, but other interests that the company, or one of their principle investors may have. It is becoming increasingly common for companies within a particular industry, for example a security company to invest in a software platform such as a staff attendance app that is commonly used within that industry. This can be done in a number of ways, for example the company;

• can contract a software developer to create some software in-house
• can agree to be the authorised reseller of software platform developed by another, usually international or Chinese company
• invest money and buy shares in a start-up that is developing the software
• buy out the company developing the software and absorb it into their own.

Sometimes a business does this with the intention of keeping the software platform for internal use with the aim of getting an edge over the competition. Unfortunately, software development is costly, and this creates an incentive to onsell the software to other businesses within the industry. Sometimes it is sold to subcontractors for consistency of service, sometimes to other unsuspecting businesses.

When companies sell services like these to other business within their own industry and don’t disclose the real owners of the software or other affiliations, this can create a conflict of interest. The potential risk is that confidential company data is then legally in the possession of other another business in the same industry.

What About UniGuard?

Deltonic Pty Ltd started trading initially in the Australian market as ValuTronics Pty Ltd in 1997. More commonly known as UniGuard, we are one of the few companies that offers employee tracking and verification systems to the Australian market that is not in some way affiliated with any companies that offer security guard or cleaning services either in Australia or other markets like the USA. We are proudly fully privately and independently Australian owed. No other company owns shares in UniGuard, and we are upfront about only offering the products and services displayed on our website.

Would you like to know more about how UniGuard can help your business, click here to find out more?

The post Who Has Access to Your Data? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

Instead of purchasing an off-the-shelf workforce management software package, another option that is increasing in popularity is contracting a software developer to create a custom-built system for the business. There are many reasons for managers to want to take this approach, as a quality designed system can be an asset to the organisation. A poorly built system, however, can be disastrous.

Something to Call Your Own

Among the many reasons people want to go down this path, one of the significant driving factors is the increasing number of different software systems that businesses are required to use to be able to function in our online world. Business managers understandably want to streamline as many areas of their business as possible for efficiency.

Another factor is the desire to get an edge over the opposition using unique software features and analytics that go above and beyond what other people in the industry have access to.

Where it Can Be Difficult

The difficulty often faced when approaching custom designed software is that most business owners are very experienced in their industry, not in developing software and their understanding of the pitfalls can be somewhat limited. It is naïve to think that all developers who are looking to further their own opportunities are likely to point out all the downsides of this approach and/or any of their own limitations.

The truth is that, on the surface, software is deceptively simple. Even considerably basic apps are complex to write, if a quality result is required. Most people would never consider making other equally complex products, such as for example, their own motor vehicle. Just as a poorly designed car can do a lot of damage, so can poorly designed software.

Streamlining Without Compromising Capability

Another big motivator for creating a custom-built platform is to consolidate numerous different applications into one. Not only does this potentially save costs, but it also means that people are not opening and closing different software applications all day.

The problem with this approach is that software built for different purposes generally require completely different layouts and functionality. It would be like trying to build a vehicle that has both the features of a pushbike and a semi-trailer truck.

Software that incorporates too many diverse features are often unstable and expensive to build, tend not to have unreliable results and are complex to learn and operate. This is why, for example, Microsoft maintains the individuality of their Office Suite programs in preference to amalgamating them all.

Some people in a business may benefit from having two or even three programs rolled into one, but most people in that business will never use these extra features and will find using the software too difficult. There is a reason nobody has successfully marketed a floating, flying car yet. Very few people want all of these vehicles rolled into one.

Then There’s What You Cannot See

Generally, by the time a business owner has decided to go with building their own software, they know all the features they want and don’t want in the application. They base this on what they do and don’t like in other software they have used.

Whilst this approach makes complete sense on the surface, they are often unaware of all the important hidden features that make the software safe, secure and reliable, lending the situation to software design that does not deliver on expectations. This is a major stumbling block for first time software builders.

Finding a good developer is another challenge.  Developers who are used to talking to people at their level about this subject, can seem to talk a different language when they talk to you. A program can be written many ways, and each developer has their own unique knowledge and skill level, they may not know the best coding and simply use what they have always used. The specialised process itself, of software development enables opportunities to cut corners, without detection by the client until it is too late.

Making Sure Today’s Savings Are Not Tomorrow’s Costs

One area where costs can blow out with employee tracking software or any software, is the hardware. This can be costly in several ways.

To keep costs down, a staff tracking app can be designed to work on a limited number of smartphone devices, maybe only certain Android phones for example. The problem with doing this is that it is then harder for the company to save money by getting the staff to use their own phones, as all employees must have exactly the right phones.

The alternative to this is for the company to supply phones, but then run the risk of the phones being repeatedly damaged and destroyed.

Building an app that can work on a range of phones, including both Android and iPhone, and keeping these apps up to date with the latest operating systems, as well as honouring older models becomes awfully expensive very quickly.

As well as keeping up with the latest operating systems, the software may have to be patched to protect against emerging security threats, as well as the ongoing updates that go with software bug fixes. Software bugs will happen no matter how good the developer is. Constant updates to keep up with Windows, IOS or Android changes are necessary.

Keeping the data on a secure server long term is the other big ongoing cost. This is a cost that software companies can minimise for their customers through the economics of scale.  

What Is Your Time Worth?

Ultimately, developing software, is a long, drawn-out complicated process with no guarantees on the quality of the result. It is common for projects to run over time, and over budget, even for experienced software development companies such as UniGuard. Naturally, well designed software with all the functionality that is needed can be more expensive.

For an inexperienced company, the development cost can easily exceed $1 million, for software that ends up being no better, or sometimes ever worse than the ready-made staff tracking software they could have purchased for a fraction of this price. Did I mention maintenance to keep up with changes in operating systems?

Many business owners who have commissioned their own software admit to being disappointed with the product they eventually receive. Unlike ready-made software, it is impossible to try out the software before you commit money to the project. Ultimately a lot of thought must go into good design, and this can only be guided with knowledge and experience.

Another Alternative

An attractive alternative that may not readily come to mind; is getting an established company, such as UniGuard who already have a well-maintained employee tracking software in the market, to offer a solution to you. Contact us today and we will be incredibly happy to show you how.

Would you like to know more about how UniGuard can customise a software package to your needs , click here to find out more?

The post Developing Your Own Custom Software appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

These tasks range from managing payroll and arranging schedules through to submitting leave requests, collecting and analysing data, providing customer service, and staying compliant with your legal responsibilities.

These days, a key benefit of workforce management software is that it’s compatible with virtually all mobile devices and platforms, giving businesses the flexibility to manage their team anytime, anywhere.

By streamlining and automating these tasks, which were once carried out by dedicated professionals, this enables businesses to be more productive, efficient, secure and compliant with industry regulations. It also frees up a business’s time to focus on core duties to help them gain a competitive advantage, foster a better workplace culture, retain key staff for longer, and attract higher quality candidates too.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of workforce management software, and how it can help accelerate your business growth.

1. Boost employee satisfaction

Companies with happy and satisfied employees have a strong chance of success. By giving your employees greater control and flexibility with workforce management software, they have the freedom to manage their daily activities with ease. With the right tools, they can submit leave requests, view and edit schedules, confirm shifts, clock in/clock out, respond to individual tasks and heaps more.

Not only does this reward employees with a higher level of responsibility, it also frees up time for management and employers, as they can communicate with workers more efficiently.

2. Increase company compliance

All companies are required to collect and store various types of data. These include employee records, incident reports, payroll, terms and conditions, company policies and more.

By condensing this information into a unified, cloud-based platform, businesses can quickly confirm that they are meeting their specific requirements, and that all of the information they need to submit to the necessary authorities is ready and waiting. For instance, workforce management software can greatly speed up the process of reporting and submitting to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), as your payroll and employee data will already be there.

Most importantly, businesses will also have the correct evidence when it comes to reporting incidents, which can assist with submitting workers compensation claims.

3. Improved data analysing

Regardless of your industry type, data is essential to gaining a competitive advantage. With the ability to review past and current data in real-time, it can help you make informed decisions that make a positive, long-term impact on how you do business.

From customer purchase trends and travel route optimisation through to employee performance and profitability. With hard data, you can analyse every aspect of your business under a microscope, and then compare and contrast the data to reach logical conclusions and ‘see the big picture’ of your business overall.

4. Save time and hassle

Prior to the advent of workforce management software, the tasks we’ve mentioned so far were left to a few dedicated experts, including HR, payroll and management, to name a few. As a result, this meant certain tasks took longer to complete than usual, and it required different departments to communicate with each other manually, without the convenience of a unified platform.

Fast forward to today, and the benefits of workforce management software has made those issues a problem of the past. These days employees, management and departments can now communicate with each other on a streamlined, unified platform, enabling them to check in on each other at virtually any time.

By bridging the gap between departments, this greatly improves response times, leads to better customer service, and overall makes businesses more efficient than ever.

5. Improved mobile workforce management

With the rise of remote work around the world, businesses need custom solutions that enable them to keep in touch with employees who are offsite.

This need also applies to businesses in the transport and logistics industry, where remote workers – who are sometimes classified as lone workers too – need to be regularly monitored to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Workforce management software is the answer to these problems. By connecting your entire remote workforce to the same workforce platform, this makes it easier for you to monitor performance, submit job requests, send and receive messages, record payroll information, and much more.

Better still, with the likes of Uniguard, you can track your remote workers’ location via Maps, which lets you review and optimise their travel routes, respond to potential emergency situations, and also protect your fleet from damage and theft.

6. Improved customer service

It’s a fact. The happier your customers are, the more likely they’ll return. One great way to improve your customer service is with workforce management software.

How so? Well, by implementing all the benefits of workforce management software into your business – improved performance and productivity, reduced staff turnover, greater safety measures, and a more streamlined approach to assigning jobs – the end result is that your customers will receive the care, attention and service they truly deserve.

You’ll be better equipped to respond to customer queries, keep them updated on progress, and either complete projects or deliveries on time – if not, faster – than you could before. This way, your business will be able to work smarter and faster, and your customers will thank you for it as well.

UniGuard is a leading provider of workforce management solutions including Fleet Tracking Software, Real-Time Recorders, GPS Trackers and much more.

To learn more about the benefits of workforce management software, and request a FREE demo of UniGuard, get in touch today.

The post Top 6 Benefits of Using Workforce Management Software appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.