What are the 5 key ways that guard management systems have enhanced the security industry?

Run Sheets

An integral element of any business is managing staff workflows and performance. For the security industry this is made more difficult because the guards need to work in locations that are remote to the main office, with some guards required to move from site to site during a shift.

Using software to plan and schedule the time and location of security guard patrols not only makes it easier and more efficient but eliminates many of the problems associated with doing this manually. Patrol routes, visit intervals and tasks can be mapped out and sent to the guard, eliminating mistakes and confusion.

Supervisors can watch the progress of patrols live, giving them the opportunity to fix issues as they occur before it’s too late.

Cost Saving

A reduction in expenses is a natural benefit of increasing the efficiency of any operation. Apart from making sure that time and money isn’t wasted by sending people to the wrong location at the wrong time, and freeing up the supervisor’s time for other duties, electronic systems give you the ability to stand back and look at the bigger picture.

Data collected over time can be analysed showing managers when and where services are most needed, and how operations can be performed in the most efficient way possible. Over time, trends can be assessed with the possibility of making future prediction that allow the business to get ahead of the opposition.

Guard Safety

Many guards are reluctant to use attendance recorders even though there are clear benefits. Guard tour systems incorporate safety features such as free fall motion, shock, and idle detection.

In addition, activating the request call-back button sends an alert to the supervisor via the web dashboard, email or SMS message. Incidents such as vandalism can also be reported by entering written descriptions, photographs, and signatures into custom built forms.

Contract Compliance

Recent changes in economic conditions have resulted in a rethink from many people who contract security services. There is now an increased expectation that security companies demonstrate when services have been delivered in the agreed manner. Electronic tracking provides indisputable proof of service.

Industry bodies such as ASIAL also aim to improve the image of the security sector through standards in industry behaviour. These codes of practices list out the preferred ways that security companies can achieve these goals. Adhering to industry best practice can then become an excellent selling point for any business.

Client Satisfaction

Another good selling point, arguably the best, is word of mouth from satisfied customers. The best way to get satisfied customers is demonstrating that you have delivered your service to your customers expectation, or better. Proving great service is central to guard tracking systems.

A good guard tour system makes this easy by automatically sending reports to you managers and clients at a pre-scheduled time that is convenient for everyone. Electronic reporting also saves on physical paperwork, making it easier to store and manage, and allow reports to reach your clients faster and cheaper.

To learn more about how the UniGuard guard tour management system can help your business get ahead, contact us today.

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Digital Proof of Service

A big part of the Mobile Security Patrols Code of Practice focuses on the security operator’s responsibility to communicate and report effectively to their clients. This goes beyond simply making an occasional phone call or sending out an invoice once a month.

The code requires some sort of digital proof of attendance with the security guard at the client’s premises. This means using an electronic system such as a guard tour management system (GTMS) that tracks when and where security staff have been on their patrols, along with a GPS location tracking device installed in the patrol car.

UniGuard supplies a range of GPS car trackers and attendance recorders. Together with the UniGuard software these allow you the flexibility to create a system that both works for your workforce and also meet contract requirements. Within the software, a range of features allow you to create custom automated reports that prove that your security officers attended the client’s premises according to the contract. Additional features allow you to provide extra information about the patrols or incidents if required. All this has been designed to make your work easier, while maintaining your contract obligations and meeting the ASIAL requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Another important part of the Mobile Security Patrols Code of Practice involves the safety of the mobile patrol officers. Along with a range of other PPE, the code stipulates that a security guard needs to carry some form of mobile communication device, which can be either a radio or a mobile phone.

PTT is a revolution in telecommunications technology, combining the features and convenience of both a 2-way radio and a smartphone. This allows your staff to communicate across the country at the push of a button without the need for traditional radio infrastructure. Smartphone functionality means that the device can also incorporate patrol tours, checkpoint scans, photo attachments and incident reports.

A request call-back button is incorporated in both the UniGuard recorders and mobile phone app, allowing you to see if a security officer needs help. This feature is also incorporated in the UniGuard push-to-talk (PTT) radios.

Cash In Transit

ASIAL has other industry standards, codes and guidelines including the ASIAL Code of Practice for Cash In Transit vehicles. Along with other equipment, UniGuard can supply GPS trackers for these vehicles which include the best tracking on the market, along with remote vehicle immobilization.

If you’d like to know more about how to meet ASIAL standards, click here to see a demo of UniGuard in action.

The post 3 Ways UniGuard Helps You Meet the ASIAL Code of Practice appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.