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What are the benefits of mobile technology? wardens operating mobile technology linked directly to their
In addition to the security benefits listed in the previous section, security software, they have full visibility of movement on site,
utilising mobile technology as part of a security solution offers allowing them to move cardholders to safe zones and see which
many benefits to organisations. When implemented as part cardholders have not yet reported to the evacuation zone and
of one integrated security system, mobile credentials are easy may need to be followed up with.
to deploy, simple to operate, and provide administration With no need to print physical evacuation lists, mobile
efficiencies and cost saving opportunities. technology avoids the manual and lengthy process of accounting
for everyone’s safety, allowing people to safely return to work
Mobile technology removes the need for the operator and sooner.
cardholder to be present in the same place at the same time
to provision and receive credentials. This allows the operator Emergency lockdown processes can also be improved with
to provision mobile credentials at a time that suits them, and mobile technology. Challenges in a lockdown situation include
allows for instant access when the cardholder arrives on site. the length of time it can take to initiate the lockdown and
At universities, in particular, this can save huge administrative providing effective communication to people on site. Mobile
efforts and time at the beginning of a semester, when large security solutions can ensure a secure, fast lockdown process
numbers of students are arriving on campus at the same time while ensuring people have the information they need to keep
and require access into lecture theatres and halls of residence. themselves safe.
In addition to time, mobile credentials can also save
organisations money. Mobile credentials are more affordable Consider the following example of a lockdown situation at
than access cards, when compared to the costs of purchasing, a high school: A teacher has identified a threat on campus.
printing, and distributing the cards and, by utilising technology Instantly, they can activate a campus-wide lockdown from their
that is already in possession of the users, organisations can mobile device; no time is lost having to call the security office or
reduce plastic waste and emissions associated with creating and reception to initiate the lockdown. Within seconds, the school
shipping access cards throughout the organisation. is locked down, all external doors are automatically locked,
Other mobile security solutions allow security operators to authorities are notified through an automated message, and
manage day-to-day security issues remotely. Tasks such as building access is limited to emergency responders only.
unlocking doors, managing alarms, and disabling cardholders Shortly after the lockdown is initiated, security officers send
in the event of a lost credential, can be easily managed on the a push notification to staff mobile devices informing them of
go via a secure mobile app that communicates directly with the the situation and advising them to ensure students are safe.
security software. A separate notification is sent to students with directions to
remain where they are and keep themselves safe. A further
By freeing security operators from the control room, they can notification is also sent to staff and students located off site
easily respond to security events from anywhere on site, as informing them to stay away until further notice.
and when they arise. This technology is critical in an emergency This example demonstrates how mobile technology can
situation where operators need real-time security information enhance a lockdown response, ensuring fast responses and
but may not have access to the control room. effective communication. Studies have found push notifications
on a phone are considerably more likely to be read than
Mobile technology for efficient, fast emergency responses an email and receive higher engagement than a text/SMS
Security emergencies, whether they be evacuations or message. Push notifications are a more affordable option of
lockdowns, require access to security information and reliable mass communication than text/SMS messages and, as it’s clear
communication with people on site. With the assistance of where the communication is coming from, people are more
mobile technology, organisations can ensure compliance with likely to view them as a trusted source of information.
health and safety requirements and create faster, more efficient
evacuations and safer site lockdowns.
In an evacuation, mobile technology can be used to verify that
cardholders are safe and reduce the time spent mustering. With

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