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.