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.