Page 24 - Security Today, May 2018

ment of their contract employee partners.
Using a similar “proof of presence” system for contractors has
resulted in more precise, auditable time and attendance, and ensures facility managers are paying only for services rendered. Contractors are ensured fair compensation for the work they have completed. Re- ports detail all necessary information about site visits and activities, providing management insight along with substantiation for contrac- tor invoices.
Streamlining Fire & Safety Inspection and Maintenance
Similar efficiencies are realized when trusted tags and authentication platforms are combined with Computerized Maintenance Manage- ment Software (CMMS) to simplify fire/safety equipment inspections and compliance. With these solutions, those tasked with equipment maintenance and compliance can ensure that physical objects like water valves and various sprinkler equipment can transact securely to provide “proof of compliance” and “proof of presence.” This en- ables field technicians to easily respond and record each inspection digitally, in a secure and trusted cloud environment.
To use these systems, a technician simply taps his or her smart- phone or other NFC device to a tag that has been embedded or at- tached to the piece of fire or safety equipment. Each tap provides digital proof of each inspection report, and provides the technician easy online access to service requests and automated maintenance records. The same tap also verifies the identity of the field worker or technician, and ensures that the person’s skillset or credentials align with the qualifications needed to service specific equipment, and that the correct field worker is servicing that piece of equipment.
There are numerous benefits with this type of system.
First, it automates the maintenance and inspection process, reduc- es field inspection time, and accurately reports with proof of compli- ance, resulting in a quantifiable cost savings from a reduction in labor costs. Additionally, work orders are completed faster and there is an overall reduction in the number of onsite visits. Both of these ben- efits help increase overall cost savings. Tags can perform in a variety of environments without compromising readability, and are flexible enough to adhere to multiple types of surfaces, shapes and sizes, in- cluding metal and rounded objects like alarm and control valves.
Demand is growing for cloud-based authentication platforms that add trust to “proof of presence” applications to enhance building safety and security. Facility managers can accurately track security check points and instantly dispatch guards for instant response to and reporting of fraudulent activities throughout the building. Se- curity guards can patrol areas more easily and efficiently with auto- mated patrol stops that replace manual sign-in processes.
Organizations can also tag fire and safety equipment to connect it to the Internet, so that technicians can use their mobile devices to tap the tag and access cloud-based CMMS applications, track ac- tivities, and automate all of the previously manual processes involved with making sure these assets are ready for an
emergency. From every guard checkpoint to every
piece of fire and safety equipment, trusted tags
and cloud authentication platforms help make
buildings both smarter and safer.
Mark Robinton is the director of business develop- ment, Identification Technologies with HID Global.
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