BWAC
Delivering an advanced security guard patrol monitoring system- a unified custom software solution for holistic management of the security workforce for enterprises in the security services industry.
Client Overview
BCS International, a pioneering leader in security guard management solutions, has been serving the industry since 1989 in the B2B segment.
Today, BCS is well-positioned to offer various cutting-edge software products for enhanced security guard management. Trusted by over 3,000 leading security organizations, BCS offers a range of software solutions including Workforce Management, Patrol Monitoring, Time and Attendance Tracking, and Incident Management, Security Guard escort services.
Client Requirement
BCS aimed to capitalize on the security market by positioning itself as a one-stop destination for security workforce management solutions.
BCS tasked us with developing an advanced security workforce management software.
This security guard tour system envisioned as the convergence of the latest software and hardware, would serve as a unified solution for businesses and enterprises to track and monitor security personnel guarding business infrastructures and facilities.
Challenges
Admittedly, BCS-INT was one of the most technically challenging projects we have worked on.
The fundamental challenge was that the solution would be interdependent with other BCS solutions. To bring convergence into one product, we had to develop a strong understanding of different technologies and their limitations.
For instance, RFID and NFC required hardware compatibility, while GPS tracking worked on precise location services. A significant hurdle was ensuring all these technologies worked seamlessly in a unified system.
Let's discuss our development team's challenges and the solutions we devised.
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Scalability across distributed branches
A major architectural challenge was designing a system that scales seamlessly across multiple branches that use the solution. We had to think of a way to ensure the system could manage exponentially increasing data volumes and user loads while maintaining high performance and responsiveness. -
Integrating diverse hardware ecosystem
The system had to support a variety of hardware components, including NFC tags, QR codes, RFID readers, and GPS-based virtual checkpoints. These devices operate on different communication protocols and data formats, requiring a sophisticated integration layer to ensure seamless interoperability. -
Real-time GPS tracking in varied network conditions
Implementing real-time GPS tracking presented a unique set of challenges. Critical business infrastructures could be present anywhere, even in places with poor cellular coverage. How could we ensure continuous, accurate location data across various geographical areas? This demanded a robust and fault-tolerant software solution that could handle network fluctuations and data latency. -
Building a secure, Cloud-native infrastructure
Developing a cloud-native solution that guarantees data security, availability, and integrity while handling large-scale data transactions was no small feat. The architecture needed to support web-based access without requiring any client-side installations while ensuring top-notch performance and security. -
Delivering real-time notifications and alerts
This challenge again highlights the unreliability of spaces/regions with feeble connectivity. The team again faced a technical challenge in creating a real-time alert system that reliably delivers notifications based on specific events (e.g., missed checkpoints and late scans).
Solutions
Proquantic developed a comprehensive, cloud-based solution using cutting-edge technologies such as .Net Core, MVC, jQuery, and SQL Server, built on the ASP.NET ZERO framework.
The tech Matrix:
| Technology Layer | Technology Used |
|---|---|
| Framework | ASP.NET Zero |
| Frontend | MVC and jQuery |
| Backend | .NET Core.NET Core |
| Database | SQL Server |
This section presents the solutions proposed and implemented by the Proquantic team.
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Architectural scalability with ASP.NET Zero
Leveraging the ASP.NET Zero framework, we designed a highly scalable solution that effortlessly handles multiple branches, no matter where the business deploys the solution. By keeping the architecture modular, we got the benefit of horizontal scaling, enabling the system to accommodate increased loads by distributing resources efficiently across the cloud infrastructure. -
Unified hardware integration layer
Our software developers designed a robust integration layer using a combination of custom APIs and middleware. It brought unity by abstracting the differences in communication protocols between software and hardware devices of different types and technologies. Businesses can choose any hardware from the available options and still have a consistent user experience. -
Optimized GPS tracking with advanced caching and synchronization
To tackle the challenges of real-time GPS tracking, we utilized .NET Core's high-performance capabilities to implement an optimized GPS processing engine. This engine employed advanced caching mechanisms and asynchronous data synchronization to ensure accurate location tracking, even in regions with intermittent connectivity. -
Cloud-native architecture with enhanced security
We built a cloud-native architecture on SQL Server, utilizing multi-layered encryption and dynamic data partitioning to secure sensitive information. By implementing distributed data processing techniques, we ensured high availability and fault tolerance, keeping the system responsive and secure under all conditions. -
Low-latency real-time notification system
We engineered the real-time notification system to handle the complexities of varied network conditions. By using event-driven architecture and push notification services, we minimized latency and ensured prompt alert delivery. We further enhanced the system with configurable retry logic and fallback mechanisms to guarantee message delivery, even in challenging environments. -
System Features
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Simple time and attendance
Records employees/security guard workforce check in and checkout times, as well as site visit times. -
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking for patrol scans, check ins, and other events. -
Email Notifications
Configurable email notifications sent to designated mobile phones depending on events. -
Flexible reports
Flexible, configurable reports of patrol events, logs, and lists. -
Branches
Support for multiple branches at no additional costs to fit organizational needs. -
Cloud Based
Cloud based data storage for expandability and efficiency. -
No installation & server needed
Web-based patrol monitoring system, accessible from any web browser. -
Incident reporting
Record and submit incidents on the BCS RCheckIn App. -
RCheckIn Auto Reports
In-built auto report feature enables guards to send email reports through the app directly to their clients. This makes reporting on patrol activities an easy, seamless process that can be done on the guard’s mobile phone right after they complete their rounds. -
Phone Alerts
Configurable alerts sent to designated mobile phones depending on events (missed checkpoint, late scan, etc.) -
Client portal
Allows client log to leverage easy functions such as report generation, etc. -
Event Monitor
View and react to configurable alerts like missed checkpoints or late scans. -
Permission and Rights
Comprehensive user setup including user IDs, passwords, detailed access rights, & permission assignment to various features & functions. -
Scalable
Built-in support for scaling from small to large companies and organizations. -
Patrol System Types
Choose either “Simple Patrol” or “Scheduled Patrol” to accommodate your patrolling needs. -
Patrol Scheduling
Comprehensive scheduling functions make it easy to setup schedules and rounds, as well as time ranges -
Mobile App
The BCS RCheckIn App, also acts a wand which can read NFC tags, QR Code tags, and GPS locations.
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Results
We were able to deliver BCS-INT, the product we had set out to achieve. We successfully delivered a custom software solution that was aligned with the customer's vision and offered the client business benefits.
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BCS-INT experienced a 20% increase in market share by offering the most comprehensive and integrated software solutions in the security guard management industry, solidifying its position as a market leader.
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The introduction of a patrol guard monitoring system contributed to an increase in overall revenue, creating new sales opportunities.
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Client retention rates improved by 25%, with customers reporting a 40% increase in operational efficiency and effectiveness, leading to long-term contracts and higher client satisfaction.
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The modular design allowed BCS-INT to serve a wide range of clients, from small firms to large enterprises, resulting in an expansion of their customer base and greater market penetration.
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BCS’s clients reported increased accountability, fewer incidents at premises, and increased productivity after the integration of BCS’s patrol management software.
Final Thoughts
The suite of advanced software solutions is a tour de force in security guard workforce management. It's a technically superior product in the segment and has simplified clients' day-to-day operations.
Security companies that use BCS's services no longer have to spend hours managing scheduling, payroll, and incident tracking, saving valuable resources. Our clients today acknowledge that our security guard monitoring system offers much more than guard accountability.