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The integration of technology into guarding

In today’s rapidly changing information society, large corporations and small companies alike increasingly require modern data collection and auto-ID systems. Developments in technology that support services for the security industry may not necessarily be magic, but the impact they can have on a business, its customers, and its employees can be genuinely amazing.

Historically, manned guarding firms have had to wait for the paper trail to end before the true picture of their performance could be measured. In the past, it could be months after an event before the true impact of that event could be measured and a response could be determined. Today, systems and platforms enable businesses to use the power of the Internet to manage the services they provide, dramatically improve communications, maximise operational efficiency, and add significant value to customer relationships. These systems achieve this while also bringing significant advantages to individual employees.

Manned guarding companies are now realising that technology could improve service delivery. They similarly recognise that investing in new systems and platforms could give them the competitive edge in an increasingly competitive and price-sensitive industry, where even the smallest efficiency savings could translate into significant improvements in margins.

To meet these demands, some companies in the security market have developed innovative portable data acquisition units that are specialised products for guard tour monitoring and other applications. A guard patrol system is a very beneficial tool which enables company HR to supervise if people assigned to a patrol task are completing their duties on time and at their correct locations.

In summary the system can record exactly who, when, where, what they inspected at a location. If your company is experiencing difficulties with guard patrol performance and compliance, using such an innovative guard patrol monitoring system, will improve efficiency of patrol tours and make reporting easier for payroll. Such a system integrated with the correct biometric devices can effectively stop “buddy punching”.

Take guard patrol for instance, every time the patroller arrives at a designated patrol location, they will be required to verify their identity by matching their fingerprints, which makes sure it’s the required individual and not others doing the job. The system allows for timed periods between stations to be set, this will show in the reports if the employee fails to reach each point within a set time. Such a system ensures that customer satisfaction, which needs to be measured daily is met and allows that any harm be recognised before the severity of the situation gets out of hand, issues immediately identified, and remedial action taken where required.

Such technology can capture incidents 24/7 – and not only security events. It can also assist with wider facilities issues, like faulty installations or unserviceable lifts. The customer can be given a detailed analysis of everything that is happening in and around the building. Ensuring that you have peace of mind regarding your business and property.

For more information, contact ZKTeco (SA), +27 (0)12 259 1047, [email protected], www.zkteco.co.za

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