Fidelity Security Services is rolling out the ActiveGuard routing and monitoring solution in a project that will promote realtime monitoring of guarding activities thereby ensuring proactive guarding and comprehensive reporting for all its clients.
Kevin Whateley, general manager electronics services, explains: “Initially, we ran a pilot project with Trinity Telecomms, suppliers of the ActiveGuard solution. The success of the system in the field then prompted the decision to roll out the system countrywide.
“The GSM-enabled ActiveGuard batons are used by the guards to scan tags placed at security checkpoints, and this information is sent to our control room in realtime. This means that we can ensure that all guards are active on their required routes. If no signal is received in the allotted time, then we can call the guard on the ActiveGuard baton to ensure that all is in order.”
According to Whateley, this dial-up feature to the guard is a key advantage. Although the guard cannot dial out, there is a ‘call me’ button, as well as a ‘panic’ button on the unit, both of which immediately alerts the control room who then return the call. This eliminates the potential for cellphone abuse, whilst still enabling the guards with 2-way communications in realtime.
Other features include the ability of the baton to send the SMS ‘call me’ and ‘panic’ messages to a number of pre-defined cell numbers, including the control room and the security manager. This ensures that everyone is notified immediately should any emergency occur, enabling a rapid response and minimising negative consequences.
Whateley says, “The fact that we can get realtime information about the time and location of each check point scan is the biggest advantage of the system. We can be proactive in managing our guards, and in responding to any emergencies. We have increased our active patrolling dramatically as a result of the ActiveGuard roll out.”
Because the system uses GSM-based communications, the need for any infrastructure to be implemented is eliminated, making the roll-out relatively quick. All that is required is the installation of the software in the control room, and the equipping of each of the guards with the baton, and some fairly simple training on the 3-button device.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Comtest calibration user group seminar Comtest
News
Comtest invites metrology and calibration professionals to a focused technical seminar series aimed at demystifying some of the most common hurdles in inter-laboratory comparisons.
Read more...Functional safety explained
News
The SAIMC supports Pepperl+Fuchs, a National Member, in a free four-part online seminar series focused on Functional Safety.
Read more...The Future of manufacturing in Africa
News
The future and development of African manufacturing will be discussed extensively at the upcoming Manufacturing Indaba conference, to be hosted on 15 to 16 July 2025 at Johannesburg’s Sandton Convention Centre.
Read more...Hot topics at IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
Burning issues such as climate-smart infrastructure, sustainability in waste and water management, the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility will come under discussion at the three-day conference and forum presented by analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 8 to 10 July 2025.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Riding the hype cycle Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
The other day I came across an entertaining article on the ten biggest tech failures of the last decade. Google Glass, 3D TV and Elon Musk’s hyperloop have faded into obscurity. Others, like the metaverse, ...
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.