Overview
This article will give you some best practices for creating and configuring checkpoints and tours in the TrackTik platform. These steps will cover setting up checkpoints, configuring relevant features, and ensuring security guards can successfully perform tours and scan checkpoints using the TrackTik Guard Tour mobile app. You'll also learn to configure site settings and enable GPS and barcode scanning features.
Before you start
Ensure you have the following:
- Administrator access to TrackTik.
- The necessary permissions to create and manage checkpoints and tours.
- A mobile device with the TrackTik Guard Tour app and a Site or Zone license installed
- For NFC checkpoints, the mobile device must have NFC enabled.
- It is recommended that a Zone license be installed with all Sites.
Create Site Locations and Sections
Before setting up checkpoints, it is recommended that you build a list of site locations and sections to better organize them. This helps correlate checkpoints with specific areas for better reporting.
NOTE: Location and sections can also be tied into incident reporting using the location list picker field in the report template.
Learn how to configure your locations and sections here.
Best Practices
- Start with broad categories (e.g., building or sector), then drill down to specific areas (e.g., floors, parking lots, rooms, etc. – think landmarks). You want to be able to pinpoint precisely where something happened.
- Organize locations properly, as this will also feed into your incident analytics. Use the List of Site Locations field in your report template for guards to select a location from the list.
Set Up GPS or Barcode/NFC Scanning
See how to Set up NFC and Barcode Checkpoints here.
Best Practice
- For GPS scanning, ensure the location accuracy is set to 15-20 meters for optimal performance.
- Be mindful of indoor areas where GPS accuracy may decrease.
- Ensure barcodes are clear and easily accessible for guards.
Create Checkpoints
Learn how to create checkpoints here.
Best Practices
- Use Extra Scan Options to ask specific questions about the area being checked.
- You can use the Required Photo option in the Multi-Exception to require guards to document the area with a picture after scanning. This will add another layer of accountability.
- Avoid requiring High-Quality Photos unless necessary, as this can inflate report sizes.
- Optional: If using Barcode or NFC checkpoints, set Manual Scan with Reason for when a barcode or NFC tag is missing or damaged.
Create a Checkpoint Tour
Learn how to create a checkpoint tour here.
Best Practices
- Set the Estimated Tour Duration (e.g., 15 minutes).
- Define a Grace Period for late tour notifications (e.g., 5 minutes).
- Configure the Tour Schedule:
- Set recurrence (e.g., Weekly, Daily).
- Define the times the tour must be performed (e.g., every hour).
- After creating the tour, click Manage Checkpoints to add checkpoints. Select all checkpoints or manually drag specific ones into the tour list.
Conclusion
Following these best practices and associated articles will help you create checkpoints and tours successfully in TrackTik. Be sure to review checkpoint scans and tour reports regularly to ensure all procedures are followed and adjust the checkpoint settings as necessary to fit operational needs.
FAQ
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Q: Why can't my security guard scan a checkpoint?
A: Ensure that the checkpoint is enabled for scanning, the barcode/NFC is attached, and the correct permissions are set for the security guard's role. -
Q: What should I do if the GPS scan is inaccurate?
A: Increase the accuracy range in the checkpoint settings (e.g., from 15 to 20 meters) or try to place the checkpoint in an area with better reception. -
Q: How can I make sure guards document potential issues at checkpoints?
A: Use the Exception Verification feature under Extra Scan Options to require guards to respond to specific questions when scanning. Use the Exception Multi-Question option to add a required Photo to checkpoints for additional accountability.