A client was frustrated by not knowing if the correct checks were being met when their security guards were doing their patrols around the building. At night, were they doing their job in protecting the building and ensuring all levels/rooms were being checked, or were they not completing their routes? Was this leaving the property at risk? Hence Antron Security, a central London and Hertfordshire based installer, created an IP Software Guard Tour. After the recent rise of IP in the security industry, Antron wanted to base their guard tour solution towards a fully automated live system that allows them to view patrols live as they happen. Antron designed and created an app that can be used with multiple Apple remote based products including the iTouch, iPhone and iPad. The app lets the client locate exact locations of building patrolling.
Using the Apple based products allows the user to access a range of features. Accessing the CCTV remotely is key for a number of clients, allowing them to ‘log in’ by remote device to view live CCTV images. This is dependable on the current CCTV and recording software installed in the building; however Antron can provide a variety of services, including their CMS Professional Remote Viewing Software. Via a downloadable app, it is now possible to view up to 16 IP cameras at once using Apple/Android/Blackberry or Windows devices. Users can also take snapshots from cameras, which can be emailed or SMS messaged to contacts to pass to colleagues or clients. It’s suitable the installer says for those who have a number of sites to manage or who want to keep up to date with events from locations. With the in-house based design team within Antron, QR codes are fitted into the design of the location scanning points, so that individual QR codes are generated for each location. Customisation of the scanning points can be altered including company or building branding logos to be incorporated on the design. All the patrol officer needs to do is enter the app and hover the remote device over the QR code; this will then track the time and location of the officer at that point of their route, uploading to the system allowing management to access the movement of their security officers.
As for some locations or levels of a building not able to access Wi-Fi, the app allows you to continue your patrols, enabling you to continue scanning without Wi-Fi access. As soon as Wi-Fi access is available, the app uploads the locations previously scanned to the ‘cloud’.
The makers point out that whereas the magnet method only allows the user to download the route to a computer after the route is completed, the IP method enables the manager to view the nearest patrol officer to that location if there is a potential security breach or incident. The magnet system also does not clearly state the location point that has been scanned; instead a serial number appears, prolonging the process of management having to identify the specific location of the serial number. Antron say their system can be custom designed to all locations, and states the location of that point. For example if the patrol officer was to scan a QR code based in the lobby of a building, it would automatically register and display as ‘lobby’. The firm describes this as a low-cost alternative to tracking patrol officers by regular phone calls every hour, on the hour, to premium rate numbers. Visit http://www.antronsecurity.co.uk/
