Video: The Lodg:IC App that Could Help Prevent Repeat of Old Trafford Security Fiasco

A new app from Lodg:IC allows facilities managers and contractors to minimise lapses in security on site, such as if guards fail to check designated areas or installed security equipment during a site tour.

In the video below Simon Chapman, MD of Lodge Service – the security services company behind the Lodg:IC brand – discusses the innovation at IFSEC 2016.

Features of the app include it alerting a supervisor if the guard faces a security threat or is injured. It also has a ‘guard tour’ program with pre-set activity logs that users must complete as they visit designated locations and undertake scheduled tasks – whether in a sports stadium, transport network or retail park.

When the security staff visit pre-set fixed points on their rounds, they can use a smartphone and the app to scan a QR barcode printed on a plaque which can also be attached to items of equipment for checking.

“The App can use a ‘guard tour’ system and QR code plaque to require guards to attend fixed points and locate specific items of equipment, such as a dummy bomb, and then scan the code.” Simon Chapman, MD, Lodge Service

The Lodg:IC app is also used to protect and support guards, particularly lone workers operating at night or when there is a heightened security risk. If the guard is incapacitated and in a prone position this is identified by the app which will send a ‘man down’ alert to the monitoring centre, together with details of the location, using the smartphone’s GPS system.

The need for such an app was highlighted in May when a Premier League fixture at Old Trafford was abandoned because of an oversight by security staff during a training exercise. Commenting on the incident on IFSEC Global Simon Chapman said: “The major reason for security lapses is that agreed processes are not followed. To avoid this it is essential that security staff are regularly trained and processes audited – and good use made of new technology.

“A smartphone app can be used as an activity log and checklist and the results relayed to the rest of the security team on site, as well as back to the ARC intelligence centre. The App can use a ‘guard tour’ system and QR code plaque to require guards to attend fixed points and locate specific items of equipment, such as a dummy bomb, and then scan the code. This ensures that the management team at the ARC knows exactly what has happened on site and that all checks have been made.”

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