GuardTrax GPS tracking system tells managers where security forces are at any given time

(27/09/2007)

The GuardTrax SFL™ (Security Force Locator) is a “real-time” personal GPS tracking solution for field personnel. GuardTrax enables security supervisors and managers to track, monitor and manage their field security forces in “real-time” at all times.

GuardTraxTM, developed by NovaTracker, is a new suite of technologies that gives security firms and corporate security managers the ability to monitor, track, and manage field level security personnel in real-time over the Internet.

The GuardTrax SFL™ utilizes a highly sensitive GPS antenna combined with GSM wireless communication to move critical location and activity data to a server platform. This data is then integrated into web-interfaced GIS mapping and satellite imagery software giving security supervisors and managers a virtual window from which they can view the activities of their security personnel in “real-time” from anywhere in the world.

The unit combines GPS (location and tracking) with GSM (phone and data transmission), so security personnel don’t need a mobile phone for emergencies, supervisor assistance or calls to the office. The GuardTrax SFL™ will dial 4 pre-defined phone numbers as well as a one-touch panic button for emergencies.

The GuardTrax SFL™ has an incident reporting system that utilizes a straightforward multi-function button coding system and enables security personnel to “key-in” as many as 23 specific event codes or incident reports relating security duty performance. These coded incident reports, together with the location, time, date, and other critical incident location data are received by the GuardTrax server where they are immediately relayed to supervisors and mangers via email or SMS.

In addition to the officer initiated or “keyed” incident reporting, the GuardTrax SFL™ is equipped with a motion sensor that will report if the device has had no motion for a determined amount of time. Simply stated, if the unit is not in motion, the supervisor will know about it.

Lastly, the GuardTrax SFL™ also has a non-keyed incident called the “geo-fence breach alert.” If the device is taken in or out of a pre-defined area, then it sends a message to the GuardTrax server reporting that the device has entered or exited a defined area. All incidents and events reported through the GuardTrax SFL, after reaching the GuardTrax server are relayed through SMS or email to any number of desired recipients.

The GuardTrax SFL will deliver up-to-the-minute information to security supervisors on every incident reported by their security personnel anywhere in the world and will enable them to monitor the current, as well as the historical location data of their security personnel in “real-time”.

Having this kind of timely information will permit supervisors to “coach” their field security staff through virtual monitoring and supervision. By using the GuardTrax SFL™ to supervise field security personnel, post checks and officer performance inspections are accomplished in seconds instead of hours.

GuardTrax can also alert supervisors if a guard travels into or beyond specifically designed invisible geographic boundaries or “geo-fence”. These geo-fence capabilities are created by GPS latitude, longitude, and radius parameters which can be remotely set over the air (OTA). So if a guard leaves his post, the supervisor will be notified immediately.

“The security industry has been waiting for years for a system like GuardTrax that enables management to monitor the exact location and movement of each guard in real-time from any Internet enabled location to respond quickly and appropriately,” explains David Leis, Chief Marketing Officer at NovaTracker. “Ensuring the personal safety and security of each guard, while monitoring performance, is now as simple as using a web browser, clicking on a location and watching the movement of each guard avatar. We believe it will help firms scale back management supervision costs, mitigate theft liability, and lower insurance costs.”

According to Brian Dooley, a well-known security consultant and guest lecturer at John Jay College who has tested the GuardTrax system, “Accountability has always been paramount and GuardTrax is taking it to the next level. With the top-of-the-line technology NovaTracker is putting forth with the GuardTrax system, you will know where security forces are at any given time and you’ll have peace of mind.”

Weighing only six ounces and measuring approximately 2”x 6”, the GuardTrax unit is barely larger than the average cell phone and can easily fit into a shirt or pant pocket. Rugged design and a weather-resistant case make for a highly-functional and durable device.

GuardTrax units will be leased on a monthly basis with prices based on quantity deployed.

Related topics:  Guard tour system   Monitoring systems   Sensors and detectors 

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