Local and global events have presented numerous challenges to security industry operators that have resulted in rapid changes to various aspects of the industry.
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.