32
PRINT.IT
01732 759725
DIGITISATION
The
combination
of real-time
reporting and
frictionless
NFC
authentication
has
streamlined
processes
CityPoint in London EC2 has won
an award for the Best NFC (Near
Field Communication) Deployment
at the RFID Journal Awards in
Florida after replacing paper-based
processes with a fully automated
NFC-based system for tracking
keys, monitoring patrols and
managing contractors.
The award-winning system
combines the MyTAG.io cloud-
based proof of presence and
asset tracking platform with NFC
authentication by HID Global in
a fully integrated solution that
uses CityPoint’s existing computer
infrastructure, standard NFC-
enabled smartphones/tablets and
NFC readers connected to PCs via
USB.
CityPoint’s estate management
team introduced the system to
improve three activities in the
35-storey office block and retail
space:
Key management.
More than
220 physical keys are used to
unlock distinct areas within the
building. The manual, paper-based
system for tracking the distribution
and collection of keys was time-
consuming and keys regularly went
missing.
Security patrols.
Every day,
security staff and contractors
patrol 280 designated points within
the building and 15 points in the
surrounding grounds. A handheld
wand was used to collect a digital
timestamp at each numbered
checkpoint, with data downloaded
at the end of each patrol. Incident
reports were hand-written and
had to be cross-referenced with
checkpoint data for verification.
Contractor management.
Dozens of mechanical and security
contractors operate on-site every
day. Yet, CityPoint had no means of
accurately auditing billable time for
contracted services.
Integrated interface
The cloud-based solution developed
by MyTag and HID Global addresses
all three areas of concern via a
single, integrated interface, with
real-time delivery of information;
easy customisation with building,
contractor and employee details;
and the recording and tracking of
security guards, contractors and
keys using a variety of NFC tags
and transponders.
The combination of real-time
reporting and frictionless NFC
authentication has streamlined
processes, giving the estate
management team improved
visibility and control.
Key management.
Each key now
has an NFC keyfob attached. To
check a key in or out, a member of
staff just has to tap the keyfob on
a tablet computer and enter their
authorised identity. MyTAG.io shows
all keys that are checked out, who
has them and when they are due
back. Historical reports provide
additional information, for example
which keys are in greatest demand
and by whom.
Security patrols.
When on patrol,
security guards tap the security tag
on each checkpoint with their NFC-
enabled smartphone. Should they
CityPoint has replaced manual record-keeping with a digital system that uses NFC technology to
authenticate and track the movements of security guards, contractors and keys
NFC key to going digital
encounter an incident, they can
use the same phone to generate a
report including photos and video.
MyTAG.io identifies each checkpoint
by name and automatically uploads
timestamp information and updates
databases. If too much time
passes between checkpoints, the
system automatically triggers an
alert.
Contractor management.
Upon
arrival at CityPoint, contractors are
issued with pre-printed NFC ISO
cards that they tap on a tablet to
check in and out, returning them to
facilities management when their
assignment is completed.
The new system has delivered
benefits across the board: it
has significantly reduced time
spent on the manual logging and
tracking of keys; it has speeded up
security patrols, as digital tracking
is so much faster than manual
recording; it has made guards
more observant as they don’t have
to devote attention to paperwork;
and accurate, auditable time and
attendance reports ensure CityPoint
only pays contractors for services
rendered.
An NFC tag for everything
Several hundred HID Global NFC tags have been deployed throughout
the buildings and grounds, including:
n
HID Epoxy Tag Keyfob transponders for key management;
n
HID Inlays and Labels to designate patrol checkpoints within
buildings. NFC stickers custom-printed with a CityPoint illustration
clearly mark where guards should tap their smartphone;
n
HID Poly Tag transponders to designate outdoor checkpoints
exposed to the elements; and
n
ISO Card badges for contractor identification at NFC
terminals.
