by microhard / Security
Guard tour solutions in Dubai
A guard tour system is an integrated network of wireless sensors linked to a centralized software dashboard that is used to manage and log the rounds of their guards. Reliable real-time security guard tour systems accelerate and improve the effectiveness of your security patrols. They also help to reduce human errors that could otherwise occur in your operations.
Why Use a Real-Time Security Guard Tour System?
Guard tour systems employ a network of sensors strategically placed throughout your facility to either actively or passively monitor guard locations as they conduct patrols, escort visitors, or perform any other activities you wish to monitor. Guard tour systems can make use of a variety of wireless technologies. Real-Time Networks’ product, for example, employs radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, which offer several significant benefits.
> Non-contact checkpoints that are automated
Guards on patrol wear active RFID badges that are detected by wireless checkpoints. They can be powered either actively or passively. Active RFID badges include a built-in battery to increase read range. When passive badges are brought close to sensors, they draw power. Take, for example, tap-to-pay credit cards.
The checkpoint sensors automatically timestamp the approach of a guard and relay their location to the control center. There is no need for a direct line of sight, and checkpoints can be hidden or relocated for greater accountability. Guards do not need to stop and manually check in on their patrol in order to maintain situational awareness.
> Alerts and incident reporting in real time
Guard checkpoint systems generate alerts for various incidents, which helps your security team respond faster. For example, when a patrol does not begin, takes too long to complete, or a guard fails to reach a checkpoint. In each of these cases, your team will be notified immediately, allowing you to investigate and address incidents as needed. For example, if you’ve installed a real-time security guard tour system in a casino, you could set the system to notify you if a cash cart fails to arrive at a checkpoint on time.
> There is no additional equipment required.
Aside from RFID badges and sensors, not much else is required to run an RFID guard tour system in your live facility. Other technology can help you simplify your guard tour service even more.
Many security guard checkpoint systems, for example, now employ Near Field Communications (NFC) sensors that communicate with electronic devices such as smartphones. As long as the guards have their phones on them, this method allows them to be tracked. Guards, on the other hand, may not be permitted to carry personal devices in high-security environments.
What to Look for When Choosing an Automated Guard Tour Product
Managing on-site security guards is difficult, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. Organizations of all sizes are looking for tools to help with this work. When you’ve spent a long time comparing different RFID guard tour systems, they can start to look the same. However, four key characteristics can distinguish a system. We recommend that you look into the usability, customer service and support, tracking capability, and reporting options of each system.
> Usability
If the new technology you implement in your workplace is cumbersome, awkward, or time-consuming, your employees will find ways to work around it. It makes no difference how much money you spend on new technology or how stringent your policies are. If the system makes someone’s job harder, they’ll find ways around it.
Look for usability when comparing guard tour patrol systems. You want a system that is simple to use and will fit into existing workflows for your guards’ patrol patterns. Don’t settle for a square peg in a round hole solution.
> Customer service
Security guard tour systems aren’t pieces of technology that you install and then forget about. They necessitate ongoing management and assistance. They are living technologies that must evolve and adapt as your business grows. Examine the design and support options provided by each provider you’re thinking about using.
Will they assist you in customizing hardware to meet the specific requirements of your facility? Will they upgrade your guard tour system management software if you require new features? Is it possible to contact them for ongoing support when you need to modify your system?
> Capability to track
Real-time tracking capabilities are required on busy construction sites. Examine how each tracking system will function in your current facility. Will you get real-time updates on guard locations? Is the wireless standard used by each system compatible with the security requirements of your facility? Will the signals work without interference in your environment?
> Alerts and reporting in real-time
One of the most significant advantages of digitally automating guard tour management is the amount of new, actionable data that can be collected. Every tag sign-out, checkpoint reached, and real-time location logged is recorded and fed into the central management system. As a result, you’ll amass a massive amount of new data. However, data is only as useful as the new insights it can generate.
Compare each RFID guard tour system’s reporting capabilities. Do they collect data that is meaningful? Do they provide reports that allow you to track key performance indicators (KPIs)? Do they provide data that meet regulatory requirements?
Guidelines for Creating Your Own Tour Program
To be truly effective, the guard tour system you purchase must be integrated into your overall security program. Follow these best practices for designing your guard tour system to achieve the strategic goals of your security program.
> First, define your security objectives.
Whether you are creating a new tour plan or updating an existing one, you must begin by defining your organization’s overall security objectives. You have specific security requirements and risks that must be addressed. This usually results in special patrol requirements.
What are your top concerns? Are you responsible for preventing theft, detecting intruders, or managing emergency response? Determine your priorities and how they relate to your overall strategic goals.
> Align Your Checkpoint Deployment with Your Security Objectives
You can now design your system layout and tour checkpoints. If preventing theft from an administrative space is your top priority, set up checkpoints at the back of each storeroom. Place checkpoints at opposite ends of office space where employees work on proprietary materials to ensure guards can observe visitors from anywhere. If a heavily trafficked doorway must be kept locked during the day, set up a checkpoint right at it and include a documentation check in your automated guard tour system for guards to confirm it is secure. Additionally, digital systems enable you to quickly and easily customize patrol routes that maximize coverage while remaining unpredictable to attackers. Random patrols act as force multipliers against attackers attempting to circumvent your physical security measures.
> Take Care of Your Security Guards’ Needs
Remember that the guard tour monitoring system exists to supplement your human security guards’ efforts and make them more effective. As a result, you should design the system around them. As a result, an effective guard tour plan must address their requirements for improved communication, management, and equipment.
Integrate to Existing Security Systems
Guard patrols are one of the most effective risk management strategies that companies can use. However, they are only one aspect of a comprehensive security program.
Ideally, your company’s security should be integrated, with complementary camera deployments, key control, access control stations, patrol routes, and tools for efficiently managing everything. Knowing how your access control will route foot traffic through your facility, for example, can help you plan guard patrols to monitor unauthorized access. Similarly, knowing where you have the most and least reliable camera coverage can help you plan your patrols. Remember that, on average, standard procedures are proven across an entire industry. That means that not every practice will be appropriate for your company. Only you and your trusted security advisors can determine the best security plan for your specific needs.
