There are many types of guard tour solutions available within the security sector. Functionality in devices differs from product to product. Many security service providers purchase devices to suit their operational needs, from the basic device that requires the user to download patrol data to real time reporting, GPS-enabled solutions.
There is a common misconception says security software company Tagtronics that a real time guard tour device that uses GPRS can be treated and viewed in the same way as a mobile phone contract. The hardware (guard tour device) is just the beginning and a front end tool within a solution. It could be said that the operating system behind the device that powers and extracts the data from the hardware is more important than the device itself. When looking at purchasing such a system companies must focus on the features that the guard tour software offers and not focus solely on the device. <br><br>The data collected by each device is only as useful and valuable as the software allows it to be. The more functionality within the software the better service security providers receive which allows them to pass more benefits on to the end user. This goes some way in helping security providers retain existing contracts but also tender for new ones, the software company adds. Marketing Co-Ordinator at Tagtronics, Richard Whyte says: ‘We find that all companies have different needs and aims in mind when purchasing guard tour solutions, we pride ourselves on being able to seamlessly integrate tailored guard tour packages (software and hardware) in to the way security service providers operate.” The company’s guard tour device Active Guard [pictured] offers real time data transfer (GPRS), panic or lone worker alarm and two- way conversation (inbound calls only). Tagtronics add that they have integrated their software with many guard products, that can be tailored around the way a business operates. This allows them to offer customised packages to suit budgets and operations.
