Oakpark Security Systems is a security guarding business that covers East Anglia, London, and the south east of England. It’s expanded its use of employee scheduling and mobile workforce management product SmartTask, pointing to business and operational benefits. The ACS Pacesetters company has adopted its custom reporting package having rolled out SmartTask’s proof of attendance and incident notification software across its mobile response and manned guarding staff.
SmartTask has already reduced administration by between 15 and 20 hours a month, the guard firm reports, with further savings expected with the adoption of the latest version. Meanwhile, the system has helped Oakpark to win two security contracts in recent months and is supporting customer retention by delivering service, the contractor says. This is also making a key contribution to its top two per cent SIA (Security Industry Authority) Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) rating, the firm adds.
Oakpark will use SmartTask’s custom smartforms to replace its paper-based processes to streamline parts of the business and reduce admin. In particular, vacant property inspections and supervisor visits will now use SmartTask-enabled tablets to electronically capture information for assessments and evaluations, which are then uploaded to an online portal for viewing and analysis.
SmartTask was originally selected to capture proof of attendance for Oakpark’s Mobile Response Teams, replacing a previous patrol monitoring system, no longer fit for purpose according to the contract guarding company. Security officers use SmartTask installed on a smartphone to scan unique NFC checkpoint tags at key locations around customer sites to prove that pre-defined routes have been patrolled. Information is electronically recorded to the online portal, accessible to both Oakpark staff and customers, making it possible to monitor performance.
After the initial use of the system, SmartTask was rolled out across 14 sites within Oakpark’s manned guarding operation. The company also took on more functionality to include incident reporting, for both mobile and static security officers to generate notifications for immediate or future action. Using a drop-down menu officers can select from a list incident categories, input up to 1000 characters and attach supporting photographic evidence. Each alert is sent to Oakpark’s 24/7 control room or direct to a customer contact, providing live visibility of any issues.
Edward Smith, Risk & Resilience Manager at Oakpark Security Systems Ltd said: “We are using SmartTask to support our growth strategy within target markets. It is helping us differentiate our offering and deliver industry best practise, based on our ability to provide advanced data capture and reporting. As a result, we are enhancing service levels, maximising business opportunities and simplifying back-office functions.”
And Paul Ridden, Managing Director of Skillweb said: “SmartTask is an advanced and simple to use employee scheduling and mobile workforce management solution that enables security businesses to better plan and manage their officers, so they are at the right place, at the right time. As a result, an increasing number of organisations, such as Oakpark Security Systems, are using the software to improve operational control, enhance customer satisfaction, and support duty of care to staff.”
