Security officers use the Digitool reader and an event book for recording events using location tags mounted at various points on the premises. The location tag and event book incorporate waterproof ID memory buttons each containing a unique serial number registered into the Digitool Lite software database via a location tag reader on the base station. Each location tag can be associated to the name of a site to be visited and the equipment or area to be checked, and the event buttons can also be associated with pre-defined real time events.

The reader can read up to 8000 location tags/event buttons. As each button is read the reader time stamps the transaction so that a full audit trail can be created. This information can then be downloaded via the GC-02 base station into the Digitool Lite software for reporting purposes. The data can also be exported to other systems for analysis, such as for time recording applications.

Market feedback is showing considerable interest and usage amongst a much wider client base. Hotels and holiday parks, for example, are using Digitool to ensure that duty managers as well as security staff regularly check key areas. Hotels often locate the locations tag 'checkpoints' near to fire extinguishers and call points so that other checks can be performed by the duty manager at the same time, with the location tag identifying where the check was performed and the event book recording the type of check.

Shopping centres, meanwhile, have two typical uses: firstly, to check that security staff are performing their regular rounds; and secondly, to record the actions of cleaners when they clean public areas within the centre. This can help prevent costly accidents, for example if a member of the public slips on a wet spillage, the shopping centre could face a claim for compensation. Digitool can be used to record where the spillage was located, the type of spillage, the time it was cleaned and who cleaned it. Shopping centres report that with this data, the system can more than pay for itself in reduced litigation costs.

Many Digitool systems have also been used by cleaning companies throughout the UK, who typically use it to generated reports to substantiate that they are performing their contracted cleaning duties. Not only can the location tags be used to identify the areas cleaned and the event book used to identify the type of cleaning activity performed, but the data provided by Digitool will highlight additional activities they have performed during a contract and enable companies to renegotiate better contract terms.

Thanks to Digitool's versatility, it can also complement other software based Access Control products in the
ADI-Gardiner range. Digitool can be incorporated with guard tour modules or can be included as an 'add-on' to other systems where card readers exist.

However, with a large site with numerous fire doors or remote buildings, it is not feasible to install card readers and their hardware infrastructure at every location. Also, such systems can only ensure that security staff regularly visit key doors. Digitool can provide a cost effective solution in that a Digitool location tag can be purchased and fitted for less than GBP 6. It can also be fitted anywhere or on to anything that needs to be checked regularly, such as fire extinguishers, fire doors, gates, car park barriers, call points, ticket machines and vending machines.