Tech Watch

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Today's guard tour systems feature a variety of form factors and expanded capabilities to enable efficient and effective management of guards to ensure the protection of a variety of facilities. Software increasingly is taking the place of handwritten logs - and even high-tech options are ruggedized for use in the “real world.”

Portable iButton Reader

LIGHTWEIGHT AND HANDHELD

The miniature-sized iButton reader from Videx measures 2.75-in. in length and weighs less than 2 oz. It can fit easily on a user's key ring or in his or her pocket. iButtons are dime-sized metal canisters that contain a unique ID number. They can be assigned to represent a person, location, item or action. When the reader touches an iButton, the button's ID is stored in its memory along with the date and time of contact. The unit maintains operation through the repeated impact of 6-ft. drops and features a high-impact fiberglass-reinforced nylon case and a stainless steel read head. The unit provides an audible tone along with a flashing LED light when it reads an iButton successfully. It can store at least 9,000 reads before the next download of data. iBR9000 iButton Reader, Videx (videx.com) Circle No. 1 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

RFID Proximity Wand

READS RFID TAGS RAPIDLY WITHOUT ERROR

The SilverGuard RFID Proximity Wand by Brooklyn Computer Systems reads 125-KHz RFID proximity checkpoints of varying sizes rapidly and without error. As long as the RFID tag is within the wand's scan area, it can be read without physical contact. The device can also read RFID tags that are embedded in concrete walls. The unit is constructed of stainless steel to provide durability and operation in harsh environments. Data can be downloaded directly to a printer, PC, modem or remote mobile collector. The reader features a 5,000-read capacity, a long-life lithium battery and a low battery light indicator. It is suitable for a range of guard patrol functions including in mall, hospital, property management, correctional and border patrol environments. SG6 SilverGuard RFID Proximity Wand, Brooklyn Computer Systems (bcsint.com) Circle No. 2 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Computerized Guard Tour System

INCLUDES 99 PRE-SET INCIDENT CODES

The hand-held Powercheck system from Morse Watchmans Inc. allows security officers making rounds to enter a user-programmable incident code directly at the scene using a keypad and display. The device has 99 pre-set incident codes that can be downloaded to the user's computer when he or she returns from duty. The device also features an autopilot function that displays the location of the next station on the display screen to inform the officer. To prevent outsiders from predicting an officer's route, a random tour command function initiates a different tour route each time. The system is water-resistant and operates in temperatures from -20 degrees to 140 degrees F. Powercheck, Morse Watchmans Inc. (morsewatchman.com) Circle No. 3 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Rugged Guard Tour Data Collector

MOLDED GRIP FITS ERGONOMICALLY INTO A USER'S HAND

The Pipe from TimeKeeping Systems is made of corrosion-resistant #304 stainless steel alloy and is enclosed in a tamper-resistant, waterproof outer case. Its electronic components are embedded in epoxy resin to protect against shock and moisture, and its batteries are encased in a rubber sleeve. All battery connections are welded, and there are no spring-loaded terminals to deform or fail. Other features include a molded grip that fits ergonomically into the user's hand and a lithium battery that requires no recharging. The Pipe, TimeKeeping Systems Inc. (guard1.com) Circle No. 4 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Security Documentation Software

ELIMINATES A NEED FOR HANDWRITTEN LOG SHEETS

The updated PROTRAC software by TISCOR now supports the PulseStar, LaserLite Pro, LaserLite and CS1504 devices. The devices allow for either the scanning of a barcode or touching of an identification tag at specific locations to document the presence of security personnel. After the devices collect information, the data can be uploaded to a PC database. The software eliminates the need for handwritten log sheets and time-consuming data entry. PROTRAC Security Version 3.4.6, TISCOR (tiscor.com) Circle No. 5 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Guard Tour System Kit

FOR COMPLETE SETUP OF A GUARD TOUR SYSTEM

The ProxiPen Kit from Detex Corp. includes the resources necessary to set up a complete guard tour system. Included in the kit are the ProxiPen RFID tag reader and data transfer unit, the TopGuard Patrol communication and reporting software, serial and USB data cables, power supplies, adapters, an incident book and 33 RFID tags, including 30- and 50-mm diameter tags, a wristband tag, keyfob tag and a proximity RFID card with magstripe. The tags act as data points for the compact and lightweight ProxiPen reader, which delivers 50,000 data readings from one AA battery. The reader senses and reads tags automatically whenever the tags enter its reading range. Tags can be concealed behind wallpaper, sheetrock, plaster, paneling, mirrors or other non-metallic surfaces. TopGuard Patrol software enables easy setup of tours, downloads of data and data evaluations in order to prepare reports. ProxiPen Kit, Detex Corp. (detex.com) Circle No. 6 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

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