GPS Enabled Guard with Live Reporting
Of the many technological trends that have impacted how businesses manage their security needs, few have had a more significant impact than real-time security guard tracking while on shift.
Modern guard tour systems do much more than let supervisors and clients review what a guard did during their shift after completing the patrol. By enabling real-time tracking, these systems can dramatically improve efficiency and accountability.
How do these tracking systems work?
Modern real-time security guard tracking systems depend primarily on GPS technology and device integration. A security guard tracking program compatible with smartphones and tablets gives guards a line of communication with back office staff while also ensuring the reliability of GPS tracking — all while using devices they are already familiar with.
A guard tour system typically allows office staff to set up digital checkpoints along a guard’s patrol. With an intelligent tracking system, checkpoints can be fully customized by the office staff, activating automatically when a guard reaches a particular location during patrol. No on-site equipment setup or installation is required. Furthermore, checkpoints can prompt customized questions specific to the asset being verified, thus allowing for precise data to be accumulated.
Upon reaching a checkpoint, guards can use their devices to scan bar codes, QR codes, or even NFC tokens. The system automatically records when a guard checks in at a particular location, ensuring the information is relayed accurately even if the guard’s device temporarily loses service. If a guard does not go to a required checkpoint, a notification is sent to back office staff indicating that the route was not completed as required. Notifications can also be sent when a guard arrives late at a checkpoint.
In addition to these mechanisms, most real-time security guard tracking systems implement measures that streamline communications between field guards and management guards. Guards can use their tour system to submit incident reports or request assistance, while the office team can submit escalation orders, client requests, and other vital communications. These messages will appear in the same app the guard uses to scan checkpoints, ensuring instructions are received promptly.
What are the benefits?
So, how does this device-integrated GPS tracking system benefit security guard companies and their customers? First and foremost is the matter of easy implementation. Because tracking and communications are handled via an app, installation costs are minimal compared to traditional checkpoint systems. Ease of use is also a significant factor, as this reduces training needs for guards new to real-time tracking.
Of course, the most significant benefits come from compliance, efficiency, and accountability improvements. Real-time GPS tracking enables the automation of much of the reporting process, eliminating human error by ensuring that checkpoint information is recorded quickly and accurately. This helps ease some of the burden on the guards while giving them a greater sense of ownership of their responsibilities.
Real-time security guard tracking also ensures that back office staff is alerted when a compliance or safety issue occurs. Live alerts enable management to take immediate action if a guard doesn’t check in at a required checkpoint or enters a restricted area.
Security guard tour software real-time security tracking An app also gives management confidence that their messages are received with real-time order acknowledgment. If management has a question for a guard currently on patrol, they can be assured of a rapid response.
A real-time tracking system will naturally increase guard compliance, ensuring better results for your clients. Perhaps even more importantly, the automatic data transmission makes it easier to analyze site information so you and your clients can make smarter security decisions. This, in turn, makes it easy to demonstrate your value to your clients, improving retention rates and allowing you to drive further growth for your business.
