Perot Systems is a global provider of technology-based business solutions that values the safety of both its associates and the important client data with which they work every day.
The Need For Safety
In recent years, outsourcing to India has meant an exponential increase in job opportunities in the country. This expansion has spurred the creation of corporate regulations to address the demands of Information Technology (IT) industry security. Due to special work schedules needed to serve global businesses, employee safety at IT/Information Technology-Enabled Services (IT/ITES) is a major area of concern. Companies now demand intelligent solutions that protect employees, extending beyond the 9-to-5 workday into the commute to and from facility premises, and at any time during the day.
Faced with this very need, Perot Systems began looking for a security solution to protect its associates. Perot Systems is a global provider of technology-based business solutions that values the safety of both its associates and the important client data with which they work every day. Using an innovative technology implementation to address associate security in corporate vans, the company was the first in India to integrate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) with Global Positioning System (GPS) & Global System for Mobile (GSM) / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) solutions.
The Technology Installed
To ensure the associates’ on-site physical security, Perot Systems used
HID cards and readers for access control in all its facilities. But Perot Systems’ round-the-clock global work schedules demanded the establishment of a 100-vehicle, 24-hour bus service to transport associates to and from shifts. To address the security needs of this complex global business dynamic, Perot Systems needed a vendor who could provide an end-to-end security solution.
HID, in technical partnership with AutoPAY Solutions, implemented MARK 1 (mobile attendance and tracking system) at Perot Systems, Chennai, India. Integrating RFID with GPS & GSM/GPRS technology, the solution delivered highly mobile security for Perot Systems’ employees, offering detailed vehicle movement updates, emergency contact information and ID card scanning on pick ups and drop offs.
Four GPS satellites determine the location and speed of the GPS-equipped vehicle. Next, the controller on the vehicle sends the data to the central server using GPRS/GSM technology.
Using this technology, administrative personnel at Perot Systems’ headquarters keep track of a number of transportation variables. These include communication with the van driver and monitoring the vehicle’s speed, route, time of pick ups and drop offs, and the name and number of associate passengers. In an emergency, associates onboard can press the emergency button, triggering a customizable “ALERT” SMS to be sent to key personnel. This end-to-end solution accomplishes Perot Systems’ prime objective of protecting employees.
Perot Systems decided to implement HID readers to take advantage of the installed base of HID access control cards already in use in their facilities. The associates’ HID 125 kHz
ProxPoint Card is a critical component in the solution, presented to the reader whenever they get on or off the vehicle. With this action, Perot Systems’ administrative personnel receive the following key information:
- Name, time and boarding/disembarkation location of the associate
- Total number of associates traveling in the vehicle
- Associates’ arrival time at the office
- Pick up/drop off points of associates
- Presence or absence of female associates in the vehicle
- Link to the route management system
According to Mr. Vardhman Jain, Managing Director of Perot Systems Insurance & Business Process Solutions, India division, “Employee security is top priority in our organization. Since HID readers are known for high security and authentication, and the Company also has local presence, we were confident in installing the readers on our fleet.”
The Technology in Use
Associates present their HID cards to the readers when they board or leave the van. Up to 12 people can scan their ID cards in a sequence. Panic buttons onboard the van alert headquarters administrative personnel to accidents, illness or other incidents, directing them to take necessary action. A built-in voice communication option allows staff at the helpdesk to speak with the driver and the associates while en route. The facility is linked to the internal route management system.
The Timeframe
Perot Systems’ implementation took approximately 45 days, including installation of all the equipment in the entire fleet of vans, hardware and software at the headquarters control unit and a test period. Because the fleet is made up of nonuniform vehicles, each interior installation was unique. Nonetheless, the process was handled efficiently by AutoPAY.
The Benefits Achieved
Since the implementation, transport contractors/drivers are more alert, responsible and accountable. Perot Systems reports that the monitored drivers are punctual, and drive more efficiently and safely. The transportation department has better control over its van fleet, able to use real-time tracking (updated every 30 seconds) to locate the vehicles. Enabled by successful transportation, Perot Systems, to date, has added an additional 25 new vehicle units from AutoPAY and intend to continue expanding these capabilities.