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Patrol
Management

Securing every step in a patrol.

Power your patrol management with a streamlined platform built for safety, speed, and control.

Take command of compliance and patrol activities with a platform built for fast-moving teams. From scheduling to reporting, manage every step with clarity and precision—anytime, anywhere.

Verify - managing ongoing patrols

Built for operators who demand total visibility on the ground.

MediaCity UK
Paddington Square, London - Logo, White
ISS & City of London Corporation
NEXT
Knight Frank
Allied Universal
JLL
Leadenhall Market, London
Paddington Square, London - Logo, White
Bidvest Noonan
Interr

Zinc Systems

Perform your duties effectively and efficiently.

Speed

Speed
Fast setup, faster execution & completion.

Resilience

Control
Plan smarter. Allocate with precision.

Control

Accountability
Clear ownership and adherence to protocols.

Recovery

Visibility
Complete transparency, live insights, better decisions.

Key patrol management features

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Structure smarter patrols with flexible scheduling, routes, and deployment options

Plan and assign patrols with precision to ensure full coverage, operational consistency, and compliance.

  • Place fixed checkpoint verification points to track patrol completion
  • Create predefined routes to guide patrols through priority areas
  • Schedule patrols by day, time, and set repeats for consistent coverage
  • Dynamically allocate or reassign patrols based on risk or availability
  • Define exact checkpoint sequences for structured step-by-step patrols
  • Introduce unpredictability by auto-randomising checkpoint order
  • Allow for spontaneous ad-hoc patrols based on operational needs
  • Track and confirm completion of patrols in real time

Verify presence, log activity, and take action - all from the frontline.

Empower teams to record, respond, and escalate issues in real time while staying on the move.

  • Verify checkpoint visits securely using contactless NFC tags.
  • Enable quick verification with scannable QR codes.
  • Identify and log checkpoints using barcodes on key assets or areas.
  • Confirm presence and proximity during patrols using geo-location.
  • Log issues or incidents directly from the field with structured forms.
  • upload media – capture and attach photo, video, or audio evidence.
  • Trigger automated actions linked to a checkpoint.
  • Move patrols through statuses from in progress to closed.

Control access, maintain data integrity, and manage performance thresholds

Protect your data, define patrol rules, and ensure compliance with role-based access and time tolerances.

  • Set user data restrictions by role and location.
  • Define acceptable patrol tolerances and flag early/late completions.
  • Continue patrolling offline without signal; auto-sync data when back online.
  • Restrict completing patrol actions to a defined location distance from the checkpoint.
  • Add or view media evidence during a patrol at each checkpoint location.
  • Track every action for full compliance and accountability.
  • Enable language translation for specific users.
  • Gain full visibility of patrols and incidents with reporting tools that drive action.

Deliver critical information instantly to the right people, on any device.

Receive automated alerts that keep you informed at every stage of patrol performance.

  • Pending / ready - patrol is scheduled and awaiting start.
  • Started / in progress - patrol is active, including early, late, or on time.
  • Incomplete actions - alerts for missed checkpoints or tasks not completed.
  • With events - notified when incidents are reported during patrol.
  • Overdue - patrol not started or completed within the expected timeframe.
  • Reassigned / declined / suspended - status changes due to personnel or shift updates.
  • Abandoned / cancelled / disabled - patrol was ended prematurely or disabled.
  • Completed - includes on-time, early, late, with or without issues or incidents.

Zinc Systems
Zinc Systems

Built for the field - mobile, fast, reliable.

  • Intuitive setup
    Create checkpoints and routes on the go.
  • Verify checkpoints
    Via NFC, QR, barcode, GPS, or photo. Skip checkpoints if unable to.
  • Checkpoint actions
    Instantly trigger actions, assign or reassign.
  • Report issues or incidents
    Log incidents directly during patrols or activities
  • No signal, no problem
    Works offline, automatically syncing when back online

Zinc Systems
Verify - Command, control and communicate

Full visibility. Zero gaps.

From setup to execution, scheduling to analysis — manage compliance with speed, clarity, and complete control.

  • Real-time
    See all patrols, of any status, in real time.
  • Patrol alerts
    Get instant alerts when patrols are missed or delayed.
  • Easy Planning
    Plan routes, schedules, and assignments with ease.
  • Increased Productivity
    Stay on track with built-in action management.
  • Accountability
    Keep everything accountable with a full audit trail.
Zinc Systems

Our impact in numbers

40%Reduction in missed patrols
Digital scheduling, real-time tracking, and mobile check-ins increase patrol compliance and visibility.

50%Drop in audit failures
Full digital trails and time-stamped logs ensure compliance with insurance, legal, and client requirements.

25%Faster issue reporting
Enable officers to log issues immediately with mobile forms, photos, and voice notes.

20%Less preventable incidents
More frequent and verified patrols help identify risks before they escalate.

45%Improved SLA performance
Real-time monitoring and alerts ensure tasks are completed on time and to standard.

45%Faster shift handovers
Digital logs and summarised patrol data streamline transitions and maintain continuity.

Zinc Systems

Case studies

Natwest protected by Zinc
Leadenhall Market
ISS Security
Media City, Salford UK
Next
Mansion House, London
Middlesex University London

NatWest Group is a British banking and insurance company. The group operates a wide variety of banking brands offering personal and business banking, private banking, investment banking, insurance and corporate finance.

Zinc has been rolled out across all property assets to conduct security and safety patrols and the reporting of critical events across the complex property portfolio.

Read more

The City of London Corporation, officially the municipal governing body of the City of London is the historic centre of London and the location of much of the United Kingdom's financial sector.

Zinc has been rolled out across all property assets to report, investigate and analyse all critical events across the complex property portfolio.

Read more

One of the World's largest FM organisations
Working in partnership with ISS and The Corporation of London, Zinc has implemented a tailored critical event management platform across this prestigious estate, including iconic locations such as Mansion House, the Guildhall, Barbican, Leadenhall Market, as well as many other key sites around London. The platform has been structured to accommodate the operating procedures of all assets taking into account their unique differences, providing a consistent framework for all teams to work within, including incident reporting, escalation, mass communication, assurance activities and security patrolling.

Read more

MediaCityUK is a 200-acre mixed-use property development on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal and its principal tenants are media organisations such as ITV, BBC and also the Quayside MediaCityUK shopping centre.

Integrating Zinc into the MediaCity security team, is a significant step forward in safeguarding the vibrant hub where security is paramount in such dynamic environments.

Read more

Next plc is a multinational clothing, footwear and home products retailer with around 500 stores in UK & Eire and 206 franchised stores in 33 countries.

"Our vision… bringing all aspects of our operational company risk under one reporting and management model, applicable anywhere in our business from Store to Distribution Centre to Corporate Office. Having accurate and timely data, with sufficient context, allows myself and other Senior leadership to make sound judgements and risk-led decisions to protect our people, our consumers, and our profit."

Read more

Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. It is a Grade I listed building and used for some of the most formal official government functions located across from the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange.

Zinc enhances safety/security operations and during critical incidents supports protecting high-value assets that require special attention.

Read more

Security Solutions for Educational Excellence.
Middlesex University London is a top 6 UK university in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024 and for five years and counting, London is the best student city in the world according to QS Best Student Cities.

Zinc's platform, in collaboration with ISS security, is tasked with safeguarding the London campus, which hosts a community of over 15,000 students and 1,700 staff members. The platform is a vital tool for scheduling, executing, and analysing security patrols, as well as reporting incidents in this dynamic and complex environment.

Read more
Zinc Systems

Why Zinc?

Join our growing community of world-leading customers and unlock rapid ROI with Zinc's innovative platform. Easily adaptable to your unique challenges, Zinc empowers your organisation to accelerate success and drive measurable impact.

Why Zinc? Loved by users

Loved by users
Outstanding usability and flexibility, ensuring a positive experience every time.

Why Zinc? World-class support

One unified platform
Expand at your own pace with an industry-leading and award winning modular platform.

Why Zinc? Reliable & secure

Reliable & secure
Highly trusted for reliability and robust security - providing complete peace of mind.

Why Zinc? Agile & Innovative

World-class support
Delivering exceptional rapid support, assistance - ensuring customer satisfaction.

Why Zinc? Join our community

Agile & innovative
Consistently delivering cutting-edge solutions evolving market and customer needs.

  • Are you ready for next generation patrol management?

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Compliance Activities & Patrol Management
Frequently Asked Questions

Patrol management refers to the organisation, supervision, and execution of security patrols within a designated area or property. It encompasses planning patrol routes, scheduling guard shifts, monitoring patrol execution, and ensuring that all specified checkpoints are visited within agreed-upon timeframes. The goal of patrol management is to provide effective surveillance and security coverage, ensuring that potential security threats are identified and addressed promptly.

Key components of patrol management include:

  1. Route Planning: Designing efficient and strategic routes that cover all critical areas of the property, ensuring that security personnel can observe and report on any irregularities or security breaches.
  2. Scheduling: Arranging for security guards or patrol officers to cover all shifts, ensuring that there is no lapse in security coverage at any time.
  3. Real-Time Monitoring: Utilising technology, such as GPS tracking and NFC scanning, to monitor the exact location of patrol officers in real-time, ensuring they are following the designated routes and meeting their patrol objectives.
  4. Incident Reporting: Providing mechanisms for patrol officers to report incidents or suspicious activities immediately, using mobile devices or other portable technology.
  5. Performance Analysis: Reviewing data collected during patrols to assess the effectiveness of the patrol strategy, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about future security measures.
  6. Technology Integration: Employing various technologies, such as mobile apps, software platforms, and electronic devices (e.g., NFC tags, QR codes, Geo-tracking), to facilitate efficient patrol management and data collection.

Patrol management is critical for various sectors, including residential communities, commercial properties, industrial sites, and public spaces, where maintaining a safe and secure environment is of utmost importance. Effective patrol management helps deter crime, enhance safety, and provide peace of mind to residents, employees, and visitors.

Patrol management is also referred to as:

  • Guard tour system
  • Security patrol system
  • Guard tour patrol system
  • Asset verification system

These terms emphasise the system's function in organising, monitoring, and recording the activities of security personnel as they conduct their patrols across a designated area. These systems ensure that security guards complete their tours efficiently and effectively, covering all necessary checkpoints and reporting incidents in real time.

Patrol management systems offer several benefits that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of security operations. These benefits include:

  1. Improved Accountability: By tracking the movements and activities of security personnel in real time, these systems ensure that guards are completing their patrols as required, visiting all designated checkpoints, and adhering to their schedules.
  2. Enhanced Security: Regular and monitored patrols act as a deterrent to criminal activities, as the presence of security personnel is consistently maintained and verified. This continuous surveillance helps in identifying and addressing potential security threats promptly.
  3. Increased Efficiency: Automation of scheduling, route planning, and incident reporting streamlines the patrol process, reducing manual errors and saving time. This allows security teams to focus more on surveillance and less on administrative tasks.
  4. Real-Time Incident Reporting: Guards can report incidents or irregularities immediately through mobile devices or portable scanners, enabling a quick response to any situation, which is critical for minimising damage or preventing escalation.
  5. Data-Driven Insights: The collection and analysis of patrol data provide valuable insights into security operations, highlighting trends, identifying areas of improvement, and facilitating informed decision-making to enhance overall security strategy.
  6. Better Resource Allocation: With insights gained from patrol data, management can make informed decisions on resource allocation, optimising the deployment of security personnel based on need, risk assessment, and historical incident data.
  7. Compliance and Legal Protection: Detailed records of patrols and incidents support compliance with regulatory requirements and can provide crucial documentation in the event of legal actions or insurance claims.
  8. Enhanced Communication: Integrated communication tools allow for efficient coordination among security team members, as well as between security personnel and management, ensuring that all team members are informed of relevant updates or incidents.
  9. Increased Transparency: Stakeholders, including property managers and clients, can be given access to reports and dashboards, offering transparency into the security operations and performance metrics.
  10. Customisable Operations: Patrol management systems are adaptable to the specific needs of different sites and can be customised to address the unique security challenges of various environments, from commercial properties to residential areas.

By leveraging these benefits, organisations can ensure a high level of security and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of the people and assets they protect.

Safety and security patrols at buildings and large locations are essential for maintaining a secure environment, deterring criminal activity, and ensuring the well-being of occupants and visitors. These patrols can vary in their approach and methodology, depending on the specific needs of the location, the layout of the premises, and the nature of the potential threats. Here are the different types of safety and security patrols commonly used:

  1. Foot Patrols:
    • Officers patrol on foot, allowing them to navigate through spaces not accessible by vehicles.
    • Enables direct interaction with people, offering assistance and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
    • Effective for detailed inspection of specific areas, identifying safety hazards or security breaches.
  2. Vehicle Patrols:
    • Utilise cars, golf carts, or other motorised vehicles for covering larger areas efficiently.
    • Ideal for perimeter checks, parking lot surveillance, and rapid response to incidents.
    • Offers a visible security presence that can act as a deterrent to potential threats.
  3. Bicycle Patrols:
    • Provide a balance between the area coverage of vehicle patrols and the accessibility of foot patrols.
    • Useful for patrolling parks, pedestrian paths, and areas with environmental considerations.
    • Offers quick mobility and the ability to engage with the community in a friendly manner.
  4. Segway or Personal Transporter Patrols:
    • Use of Segways or similar personal transport devices for patrolling urban areas, shopping centers, and campuses.
    • Enhances mobility and visibility, allowing for quicker response times and efficient coverage of medium-sized areas.
  5. K-9 (Dog) Patrols:
    • Incorporates trained security dogs to assist officers, especially for detecting drugs, explosives, or providing tracking abilities.
    • Acts as a significant deterrent to criminal activity and can be effective in crowd control scenarios.
  6. CCTV Monitoring Patrols:
    • Remote patrols conducted via surveillance cameras installed throughout the premises.
    • Allows for real-time monitoring of multiple areas simultaneously, detecting suspicious activities or safety concerns.
    • Can coordinate with on-ground patrol units to respond to incidents.
  7. Drone Patrols:
    • Use of drones equipped with cameras for aerial surveillance, offering a bird's-eye view of large properties.
    • Effective for perimeter security, monitoring of hard-to-reach areas, and rapid assessment of emergency situations.
  8. Random or Roving Patrols:
    • Patrol routes and timings are varied to avoid predictability, making it harder for potential threats to plan around security presence.
    • Can be implemented in any form of patrol, enhancing the element of surprise and increasing the deterrence factor.

Each type of patrol serves specific security and safety objectives and can be tailored to suit the unique requirements of buildings and large locations. The choice and implementation of patrol types depend on a comprehensive risk assessment, taking into account the potential threats, the nature of the premises, and the overall security strategy.

Compliance activities for safety and security are tasks and procedures undertaken by organisations to adhere to laws, regulations, standards, and best practices related to protecting people, assets, and information. These activities are crucial for minimising risk, ensuring workplace safety, and securing data and infrastructure. Key compliance activities include:

  1. Risk assessments: Regularly evaluating potential hazards and vulnerabilities within an organisation to identify and mitigate risks.
  2. Policy development and review: Creating, implementing, and periodically reviewing policies that govern safety and security measures, including emergency response plans and data protection strategies.
  3. Training and awareness programs: Conducting training sessions for employees on safety procedures, security protocols, and emergency response to ensure they are aware of best practices and their roles in maintaining a secure environment.
  4. Security audits and inspections: Periodically inspecting physical and IT security measures to ensure they are effective and compliant with relevant standards and regulations.
  5. Incident reporting and investigation: Establishing processes for reporting security incidents or safety concerns, followed by thorough investigations to understand causes and prevent recurrence.
  6. Access control management: Implementing and managing access controls to restrict physical and digital entry to authorised personnel only, including managing credentials and monitoring entry points.
  7. Data privacy and protection: Ensuring that personal and sensitive data is handled, stored, and transmitted in compliance with privacy laws and regulations, like GDPR or HIPAA.
  8. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements: Staying informed about and compliant with all relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations affecting safety and security.
  9. Emergency preparedness and response planning: Developing and updating emergency response plans for various scenarios (e.g., fires, natural disasters, cyber attacks) and conducting drills to test these plans.
  10. Equipment maintenance and safety checks: Regularly inspecting and maintaining safety and security equipment, such as fire extinguishers, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems, to ensure they are in working order.
  11. Cyber/data security measures: Implementing and maintaining cybersecurity measures, including to protect against unauthorised access to server rooms.
  12. Contractor and vendor compliance: Ensuring that contractors and vendors adhere to the organisation's safety and security requirements.

By engaging in these compliance activities, organisations can not only meet legal and regulatory requirements but also build a culture of safety and security that protects employees, customers, and business operations.

Compliance and regulatory inspections are critical processes across various industries, ensuring that organisations adhere to laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines that govern their operations. These inspections help in maintaining safety, protecting the environment, ensuring public health, and promoting fair business practices. Here are some examples:

  1. Health and safety inspections:
    • In workplaces, to ensure compliance with occupational safety and health regulations. Inspectors check for proper use of safety equipment, adherence to safety protocols, and the maintenance of a safe working environment to prevent accidents and injuries.
  2. Environmental compliance inspections:
    • Aimed at enforcing regulations related to environmental protection. These include checks for proper waste disposal, adherence to emission standards, water quality management, and the use of environmentally friendly technologies and practices.
  3. Food safety inspections:
    • Conducted in restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, and food manufacturing plants. Inspectors verify that these establishments comply with food handling, storage, and preparation standards to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure public health.
  4. Building and construction inspections:
    • Ensure that buildings and construction sites comply with building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards. Inspectors review structural integrity, fire safety systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and accessibility features among others.
  5. Transportation and Logistics Inspections:
    • Enforce regulations related to vehicle safety, transportation of hazardous materials, and logistics operations. These inspections are crucial for maintaining safety on the roads and in the transportation sector.
  6. Quality Assurance Inspections:
    • Across various industries to ensure that products and services meet specific quality standards and customer expectations. While not always regulatory, these inspections often adhere to internationally recognised standards like ISO.

Each type of inspection is tailored to the specific regulatory framework and industry standards relevant to the sector it addresses. The objective is not only to enforce compliance but also to educate and encourage organisations to adopt best practices for safety, quality, and sustainability.

In many cases, yes, you can use existing NFC (Near Field Communication) tags with a our patrol management platform. NFC tags are standardised and designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices and systems that use NFC technology for communication.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Compatibility: Most NFC tags adhere to a set of standards (e.g., NFC Forum Type 1-5) that should be supported by the system.  The data format stored on the existing NFC tags will be able to match what our system expects.
  2. Security: Some NFC tags offer encryption and other security features that may or may not be supported or required by our system. It will be easy to find out if it works or not - just contact us!
  3. Physical Condition: Ensure the NFC tags are still in good physical condition and have not been damaged or degraded over time, which could affect their readability and reliability.

In summary, while reusing NFC tags is often feasible and can be a cost-effective solution, it's important to verify compatibility, and ensure they meet the security and operational requirements of our patrol management system.

Typically customers will be up and running within 2-4 weeks depending on the level of configuration you require. You will experience a seamless onboarding process with us that includes a swift setup, intuitive configuration, user-centric training, straightforward reporting, and dedicated support to assist in every step.

  1. Planning
    • Kick-off meeting and initial discovery
    • Data templates provided
  2. Initiation
    • Platform installation with out-the-box workflows
    • Your organisation's branding and colours applied
    • Setup of organisation's hierarchy - locations, people, roles
  3. Execution
    • Any workflows you require to be customised or added
    • Permissions and data restrictions configured
    • Notifications customisation
  4. Handover
    • Stakeholder demo
    • Training
    • Testing and pre-launch checks
  5. Launch

You are In safe hands

  • ISO 27001 & Cyber Essentials
  • G-Cloud Government Framework Approved
  • Crown Commercial Service - CCS
  • Google Partner
  • AWS - Amazon Web Services Secure Hosting Infrastructure
  • SIA - Security Industry Authority
  • OWASP - The Open Worldwide Application Security Project
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