Author Archives: ambili

For Management Committee

Why Biometric Devices Are The Best Way To Capture Staff Attendance

Feb 27,2018 / By / No Comment
Biometric Devices-ADDA Security

For an apartment complex, a major expense is staff salaries. And for making sure that they are paid neither more nor less, it is vital to have their attendance tracked well.

Traditionally, attendance was maintained in physical ledgers, where each individual would manually sign their name and time of entering the premises and repeat the same at the time of exit as well.

Unfortunately, this system has many flaws. Not only would such a flaw upset the finances because salaries could get incorrectly calculated, it could also compromise security and safety of residents.

Why Conventional Attendance Systems Are Inefficient

Here are some of the major drawbacks of old ways of maintaining staff attendance.

Forgery Is Common

Suppose there’s Maid A, who wants to help Maid B, who secretly went away on vacation, but is still wanting to receive payment for days taken off. On these days, it is easy for Maid A to give proxy for Maid B, by signing for her in the staff attendance register.

No foolproof mechanism to keep out Miscreant Staffs

In reality, staff inside an apartment complex are constantly replaced and everyone cannot be familiarised with each other’s faces. People who were banned from the premises, for either criminal activity or indecent behavior, could re-enter as blacklisting in the ledger isn’t really an option.

Difficult to Search Records, do Incident Investigation

Physical ledgers are easy to destroy. Mere negligence is enough to have them rendered useless. Many apartment complexes that depended on ledgers for staff attendance have complained that not only is the writing in it illegible, the very condition of the book is often near next to dilapidated. How good is such a book when it comes to tracking somebody’s attendance? And how easy is it for someone to intentionally damage that ledger to cover his/her tracks? 

The Solution – Biometric Attendance Systems

If there is anything that is difficult to forge, it is one’s fingerprint.

All over the world, educational and corporate institutions, hospitals and all kinds of organizations have started using biometric attendance systems and the impact is hugely positive. Such systems not only eliminate drawbacks of conventional attendance systems, they will also add some perks that are difficult to override.

Keep in mind that your association will have to make the necessary privacy policy documents which state that you won’t misuse collected biometrics. As long as the staff has been briefed about the process and as long as their permission has been acquired for collecting their fingerprints, you won’t be violating any laws.

Here are the major benefits of a biometric-based attendance system

No more proxies. 

One of the biggest advantages of this system is that it prevents employees from clocking for each other.

There may be some exceptional cases, where biometric systems are not able to read a fingerprint, because of injury to the finger or fingerprint being slightly eroded. First off, multiple fingerprints of the same person (prints of at least three fingers) are commonly recorded. And in the highly unlikely event that the staff managed to injure both their hands, superiors can step in and personally verify their attendance from an App based staff attendance tracking system like ADDA GateKeeper.

Some App based staff attendance tracking systems, use numerical staff ids to authenticate staff check-ins. It’s easy for a staff to give someone else their staff id and hence give proxies. Manual audit of such staff check-ins using their photos is not a practical solution for busy Society Managers and Admins.

You can save on a lot of public money for the Association with proper tracking of staff attendance through Biometric Devices.

Foolproof system to keep out Blacklisted or Retired Staff

Through integration with systems like ADDA GateKeeper, you can program biometric devices to recognize blacklisted/retired staff, who are trying to enter and sound alarms for Security to take action.

For App based staff attendance systems who give out numerical IDs, to authenticate staff entering a complex; Miscreants who want to enter a complex can easily get their hands on such a staff ID number, and enter the complex impersonating a different staff.

Biometrics Are Solid Evidence

Handwritten entries barely qualify as evidence of a person’s presence in a given spot. Biometrics, on the other hand, is irrefutable. If an employee claims to be absent on the day of a crime and the machine has recorded his biometric, that could boost the investigation in the right direction. 

Increased Productivity & Accountability

With an attendance tracker in place, staff would probably avoid arriving late as they can no longer fake entry time. And this, in turn, increases their productivity and accountability, and will also provide the payroll department precise and accurate data for calculating payment.

Difficult To Tamper

It is not easy to tamper with a biometric attendance system. It is very difficult to hack into such a system and change its records. And that is not all, physically damaging the system too can be difficult because a) manufacturers foresee this kind of contingency so the system is built accordingly b) there is typically a guard and a CCTV with eyes on the machine. Any attempts to damage it will be caught.

Upgrade Your Apartment Complex With ADDA

ADDA is specifically designed for apartment complexes and the members within. In fact, the GateKeeper by ADDA is one of the most practical security systems you can ever get your hands on to ensure security inside your society.

Talk to our Product Specialist

That’s not all, if you have a combination of the ADDA ERP and the GateKeeper, MCs, residents and everyone else will not only be connected but will also have features at their disposal to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the entire apartment complex.

Why don’t you get in touch with us so we can schedule a demo for you if you are not a customer already.

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For Management Committee

5 Commonly Asked Questions About ADDA GateKeeper

Nov 21,2017 / By / No Comment

Our beloved customers call ADDA GateKeeper the security nerve centre of their apartment complex. They are right in every sense. It is a tablet-based security gate management system. One that combines several compelling features to give you something near next to perfect to ensure that your community and the residents inside it are safe from crimes, perils & security breaches.

 

The product GateKeeper is the result of our worries & sense of responsibility towards the society. We believe that within the walls of a gated community, security becomes a collective responsibility and not just something that the guards or security personnel alone are responsible for. Above all, GateKeeper is a product that is designed to cover the shortcomings of human error and judgment.

 

All in all, GateKeeper is the best of it’s kind. We’re the most in-demand gate management system for apartments. But for those of you who are not so familiar with our beloved product, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the ADDA Gatekeeper.

1. Does it replace guards?

Erm, no. But it empowers them. The ADDA GateKeeper is a tool, or rather a gate management system that is jointly used by the security personnel and the people living in that gated community to function as one single unit to prevent crimes and perils.

 

Whatever system you have in an apartment right now can be enhanced with Gatekeeper. The guards at the gate will be provided with tablets pre-installed with the GateKeeper software. Using this, they’ll be able to digitally record details of every visitor, record and keep track of vehicle numbers that enter and exit the apartment, alert residents to visitors, track staff attendance and so much more.

 

In short, GateKeeper eliminates the issues arising from elements such as illegible writing in ledgers or missed entries or entering fake details at the time of checking into the compound. And it makes guards better at their jobs.

 

2. Does it have some kind of emergency management option?

Yes. The Indian Govt. shook some serious ground in 2017 when it mandated that every cell phone should have an inbuilt panic button. Either a single button or a combination of keys. While the move was appreciated, people soon realised that they’ll have to spend some money and upgrade their phones.

tablet based security management system

 

ADDA GateKeeper covers that. When you open the ADDA app, there’s a big in-app panic button that raises an alarm at the gates and also informs a safety contact. So, yes, in the event of an emergency, all you need to do is open the ADDA app and press the panic button. Help would come flying to you. You just need to pre-set a safety contact. It could be a neighbor or relative in close proximity to you. Personnel at the gate will be sent direct alerts from the app.

 

That said, GateKeeper operates around the idea of preventing crimes from happening by discouraging criminals with sheer elimination of potential loopholes to breach. Most people would think twice about committing a crime in a place where their photo, ID details and even mobile number has been verified and correctly recorded.

3. Should every resident have to download the app? Would the elderly find it difficult to use?

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that everyone living in the gated community download the ADDA app. In the event that someone’s phone doesn’t support it, we suggest that at least one member in every unit MUST have the ADDA app on their phones. We still want everyone to have the app on their phones because you never know when you’ll need the panic alert button.

Now, the second part of the questions – would senior citizens find it hard to use? No. The app is very easy to use and the features that elders will be needing, like panic buttons, visitor notifications etc are pretty much straightforward and require only a few clicks.

Talk to our Product Specialist

4. How safe is our data on the ADDA servers?

We guard it with the best layers of security. If required, we are even willing to sign an NDA with you assuring you that the information you provide will never be breached.

We have been not only the leader in the industry, we’ve also been here the longest and we’re the most reputed player here. Big names in real estate such as Sobha, Prestige, DLF etc are proud customers of ADDA. We’re not trying to boast, but we’re the best at what we do. Not once have there been a breach and we strive every day to keep it that way.

5. Security guards get replaced very often. New guards come in from time to time, will it be difficult to train them to use GateKeeper?

The GateKeeper deployment team will pay a visit to your apartment specifically to train your guards. The application is very easy to use, even with only basic formal education, it should be fairly straightforward. If the MCs attend training provided by our on site deployment team, security personnel hired in future can be trained by the MCs themselves.

ADDA Is A Much Loved Product

GateKeeper has become a popular security solution among numerous apartment complexes across the country. Team ADDA is very passionate about eliminating potential situations for a criminal event to occur. We brainstorm regularly on how features in GateKeeper can be enhanced or what new features can be added to make it even stronger than it already is.

We’re also an industry leader in apartment management software. Over 18,000 apartment complexes across the country use ADDA’s products and we’re now gearing up to make our product global. We take pride in the fact that we’re a dedicated bunch, striving to make sure that every apartment complex turns into nothing short of a safe, secure haven.

 

We’ll be more than happy to provide a free demo of our products for you. Kindly get in touch with us to arrange an online demo.

 

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Residents

Staff Attendance Management System Record & Its Significance

Nov 4,2017 / By / No Comment

Let’s admit it, without a domestic maid, we’d all be tired to the bone by the end of the day. In between managing our work and running errands, cleaning, scrubbing and washing have become tasks that we totally dread. And thus, we rely heavily on maids and other domestic helpers without whom it is indeed difficult to manage our homes.

So what happens when the maids don’t come on time? And when they later swear that they barely took any holidays in a month so they get full pay? What if they are avoiding your home alone? How do we keep an eye on our domestic help?

ADDA GateKeeper To The Rescue

One of GateKeepers many, many fine features is that it keeps a Staff Attendance Management System Record. Conventionally, manual registers store this information and hence, could be lost easily. If you want to check if your maid turned up on a certain date, you’ll have to get the guards to scourge through the registers to find that info. Clearly, this isn’t ideal.

So if your apartment complex uses the ADDA Gatekeeper, you’ll not only have an assurance of security, you’ll also have a digital record of Staff Attendance.

Talk to our Product Specialist

How Does ADDA’s Staff Attendance Management System Help?

Imagine if your apartment complex had a digital attendance record like corporate companies! Each day they take a leave would be captured in the records. This gives rise to countless benefits.

No more arguments about cutting pay: Your maid will not be able to lie about not taking leave on a certain day if the log says otherwise. You’ll be able to give her the exact due she worked for.
If things go missing and comes to your attention at a later point of time, you can easily rule out if it was a maid or someone else.
If your maid is absconding, as in she comes to your apartment but avoids your flat alone, you’ll be alerted to it. ADDA alerts you each time your staff enters the premises.

The Added Benefits

Since we have already established that Staff Attendance has its benefits, let’s also tell you why having a technical security software in place helps.

Imagine a situation where your maid was caught red-handed doing something she wasn’t supposed to. You immediately terminate her employment. But are you sure she won’t sneak back in either to repeat what she did or to cause you harm?

What if she tries to return a year later? The chances are that the guards at the gate may not be the same and hence, could be unaware of her history with crime. They may permit her to enter the premises once again.

To prevent such a scenario, you can now blacklist staff or visitors in ADDA GateKeeper app ensuring that people with a history of offence will never enter the compound again.

Get It Today

We can go on all day about the necessity of having tools like ADDA and ADDA Gatekeeper in place. But we’re sure you already understand their significance.

Kindly get in touch with us if you need a demo of our product so that you can understand its features better. We assure you, you will never feel unsafe if you have ADDA and ADDA GateKeeper deployed in your apartment!

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For Management Committee

Managing Security Personnel In Apartment Complexes with Society Security App

Oct 31,2017 / By / No Comment

Managing security personnel in apartment complexes is a serious topic. Since a good number of upper middle class reside in gated communities, petty thieves sometimes make attempts to break in and rob something of value. While every housing society will have guards posted at the gates and intermittently at other places throughout the apartment complex, there is still a lot of confusion about how many should be assigned where and what their tasks should be.

If you are an MC struggling to optimize usage of security personnel, here’s what you need to know.

1. Get The Right Insights with the Society Security App – ADDA GateKeeper

Most people resort to checking traffic at the gate and general atmosphere of the apartment at any given point of time to decide who goes where and how many guards should be stationed at the gates. But sadly, this isn’t a very effective method.

Here’s the alternative that we suggest.

I’m sure you are aware of the product we have built (building). ADDA is a very popular society security app and is much loved by MCs and residents across 80 cities and over 3,500+ apartment complexes. ADDA is what you need to get the right insights. While it also gives you many other benefits, we’re going to focus on how it helps you utilize your guards better.

You’ll need stats on what times the traffic at the gate is highest/ lowest so that guards can be stationed there accordingly.You’ll need to know when the pool is used most so extra helping hands can be there to prevent potential accidents.Same applies for the playgrounds. Extra eyes to watch over the little ones while they play.

These are all inputs that the ADDA  society security app can provide you with. Vital inputs that will tell you whether you need to increase the number of guards or even let go of some because they are not needed. Guards are expensive to hire, making a wrong decision can cost you a lot of money.

Talk to our Product Specialist

2. Hire A Reputable Agency

It has become a common practice among MCs to hire a security agency to supply guards. This does have benefits, most personnel come with basic safety training. Police verification, background checks etc would be cleared and above all, they may require very little training to settle into the job. So there, it seems great.

But. If you hire an agency with a questionable reputation, you may not only end up losing valuable cash, you’ll also be making compromises on the safety of your residents and the society in general.

Always best to hire an agency with a large footprint and a decent tenure in the industry.

3. Have A Plan Of Action – Teach The Guards About It

It is always recommended to have an emergency plan in place. In case of emergency, the guards would be expected to step up and take action. Either instruct the agency to train the guards for it or train them yourself on site.

Ideally, there should be a specific plan for each emergency. Fire, medical, man/child missing etc. And there should be one person dedicatedly monitoring the CCTV footage. Apart from this, make sure the guards have a thorough understanding of the architecture and plan of the entire gated community.

Human Error Is Still Possible

As an MC, you need to understand that depending on humans to look after all your security needs is probably a bad idea. The guards are humans, after all, they are prone to error. To make sure that they do the best and that everything stays smooth, equip them with a technical backbone. The ADDA GateKeeper is the best ever security solutions tool for apartment complexes. It is a tablet-based society security app management system that allows you to keep digital records of everything from visitors log to staff attendance and much more.

If you are looking for a way to strengthen the security system equip your guards with the ADDA GateKeeper – a product commonly called as the security nerve centre of apartment complexes!

 

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Residents

How To Handle An Electrical Fire in Your Apartment

Sep 15,2017 / By / No Comment

Fires are a common domestic peril. If you live in a small apartment, being aware of the things to do to handle electrical fire when an electrical fire breaks out, could one day save your life. Learning how to contact emergency services or raising an alarm alone may not help. These fires spread quite quickly and require specific kinds of extinguishers. What could save you is the presence of mind and knowledge about the things that will be discussed in the course of this article.

So, let’s begin.

Causes Of An Electrical Fire

Not all electric fires begin with sparks. Sometimes it is just a flickering light and sometimes an unusual odor, like burning insulation. The sad part is that most often people expect fires to begin in the kitchen and from inflammable substances alone.

Around 500 odd deaths occur every year due to a domestic electrical fire. Here are some of the most common causes or triggers of electrical fires.

1. Old wiring cables

Wires too have an expiry date. Most people just assume that wires used while the house was built will stay on perpetually. The wires too will lose their efficiency due to wear and tear and could have breaks or tears in their outer insulation layer. If there’s a power surge, broken insulation could be deadly.

2. Old electrical devices

This is common knowledge. Appliances and devices come with a life span. The older they get, the less efficient they become. Once a mechanical device crosses its expected lifespan, it most certainly should be considered as a fire hazard and replaced immediately.

3. Overloaded circuits

For the past few decades, every circuit inside an appliance or even the main electrical wiring circuits come fitted with a fuse or a circuit breaker to counter dangers of a power surge. However, over time, fuses become weak and sometimes fail completely. The leads to a flow of excess power, overloading the circuit and causing deadly electrical fires.

If you notice constant tripping in your MCB, it is time to get the circuit checked.

What To Do When There Is A Fire?

Never try to extinguish a domestic fire by pouring water all over it. Unless you are absolutely sure about the nature of fire, use methods that extinguish fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. Try to remain calm and follow the steps described below.

1. Locate the source

Unless the fire is large enough that you have to evacuate immediately, try to identify the source of the fire. Your whole building could be saved from another “Grenfell” episode if you locate the fire’s source and put it out. You could save hundreds of lives.

Look for sparks, intense burning odors, and maximum intensity flames. They are often found closer to the actual source.

2. Attempt cutting off power supply

If the fire is caused by a malfunctioning appliance, try to unplug it. If you manage to do that, you can proceed to put out the flames next. Never attempt removing the plug if the wires are wet or if there are inflammable substances in the vicinity. You could electrocute yourself or cause an explosion.

3. Try to extinguish the flames

Most builders mandate that a fire extinguisher be placed in the kitchens within individual units. If you have one, use it. Also, make sure that the extinguisher say’s A-B-C on its body. These are the kind of extinguishers that come handy to put out a wide range of fires.

If you don’t have an extinguisher, use alternate sources. Baking soda can put out small flames. Thick blankets or carpets can cut off oxygen supply and thereby, kill the fire. Alert the security or call the fire brigade yourself.

4. Avert immediate danger & RUN

Putting out the fire doesn’t mean you are out of danger. Inhalation of smoke or fumes can lead to death. Carbon monoxide contained in secondary smoke could kill you due to asphyxiation. Soot or dust from the fire could enter your respiratory system and stop your lungs from functioning which would leave you to suffocate and die.

As soon as you put out flames and kill the source of fire, evacuate with your family. Wait for the fire brigade to arrive to do a sweep to ensure that the place is safe to inhabit.

Stay Informed. Stay Alive

The world is still recovering from the tragic incident where the Grenfell tower went up in flames. Speculations are rife that it happened due to an electrical fire. Sometimes, being well informed and using your presence of mind is what saves you.

Let’s make sure that this information reaches everyone around us. Let not another building burn and take lives with it.

Thank you!

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Residents

Why CCTVs Are Not Enough for Apartment Security?

Sep 8,2017 / By / No Comment

Each time the phrase “ apartment security system” is mentioned, what comes to most people’s heads is a series of TV screens that show live feed from different parts of a building. We’re sure you just imagined it in your head too!

CCTVs have become a staple in most offices, commercial buildings and residential societies. However, how many of us are aware that CCTVs alone are incompetent to provide security?

Ideally, a security system should be composed of equipment and manpower that can collectively detect and prevent crime, while also creating a record of the incidents that occurred.

Here’s Why CCTVs Alone Are Inefficient

We’re sure you already understand this fact, but make sure that the point sinks through, here’s detailing why we say so.

1. Can’t stop a crime in progress

CCTVs simply provide you with live video feed. Unless the cameras can sprout hands and legs to jump into immediate action, a crime in progress cannot be prevented. Or, there should be someone sitting glued to the numerous TV screens at all times.

2. It can be easily cheated

Someone in a Burqa or even a cap or hooded T-shirt can get away with sneaking around. CCTVs do not have X-ray vision to see through clothing or helmets.

3. They are easy to break

Many crimes have been recorded where the CCTV cameras at the site were broken badly. For criminals, it would be an added shroud of anonymity if along with wearing protective clothing they also broke the cameras. That way, no video recording of the crime would be available.

4. They don’t raise alarms

Most CCTV systems do not alert officials or even people when suspicious activities are spotted. They will simply continue to record and/or live stream. Not very effective, especially when there are fires or similar hazards breaking out.

5. They are not pocket-friendly either

The kinds that simply record are fairly inexpensive, but the ones that use Wi-Fi to broadcast are not exactly budget friendly. They also use up a lot of Internet which could be an added expense. And then there’s the fact that they become totally useless if the internet fails.

So What’s The Alternative?

CCTVs are not entirely useless. They are a vital part of apartment security systems. It is just that such systems should include a few other elements too. CCTVs are effective crime deterrents in some cases because their very presence makes people reconsider the idea of committing a crime. Of course, that isn’t always the case. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and so are the criminals using it. These days we even have network jammers that can block EM signals in a certain range.

CCTVs can never be replaced neither can they be ignored. What we can do is to create a system that is more comprehensive of today’s security needs.

A More Efficient Apartment Security Solution

What we really need is a video monitoring system that is combined with a feature to raise alarms and has manual guards to take immediate action while being solidly backed by technology.

The ADDA GateKeeper is a groundbreaking tablet-based society security system that behaves like the security nerve center of your entire apartment complex. Here are the benefits of this system.

  • The security guards at the gate get to track every visitor, every vehicle and every staff that enters the compound.
  • Residents receive notifications of each visitor checking into the compound with the intention of paying them a visit.
  • Guards capture photographs and verify ID cards submitted by visitors.
  • If a staff is caught doing something unusual or criminal, he/she can be blacklisted and prevented from ever entering the gates of the society.
  • To top it off, the ADDA GateKeeper comes with a panic alert button which sounds a loud alarm alerting the security guard and also two safety contacts of the resident’s choice.

Talk to our Product Specialist

Many complexes from across the country depend on the ADDA GateKeeper for all their apartment security needs.

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Residents

5 Tips For Gated Community Security

Aug 26,2017 / By / 1 Comment

We have covered the topic of gated community security multiple times, but since the world around us keeps changing every minute, it is kind of essential to stay updated about apartment safety on a regular basis. Burglars are coming up with more and more innovative ways to rob a house & dropping your guard could be dangerous.

So here are some things that you can do to make sure that your apartment stays safe at all times.

1. Strengthen overall gated community security

Individually securing your apartment sometimes isn’t enough. The entire compound needs to be better equipped to withstand every possible emergency.

Join hands with your fellow residents and discuss setting up a system that is hard to breach. CCTVs and security guards alone are obsolete these days. An app based gated community security system like ADDA GateKeeper is vital for overall management & security monitoring of residential complexes.

If you do not have one already, get one installed. The benefits that the ADDA Gatekeeper brings to your apartment complex are abundant. It offers the following –

  • As it is an App based Gated Community Security management system, it negates all the manual errors guards may commit.
  • Solid visitor management system that digitally records details of every visitor.
  • Alerts guards should a visitor overstay his/her welcome.
  • Sends instant notifications to residents about visitors which means even while away, residents will know who is dropping by.
  • Comes with an inbuilt panic alert system. If a resident is in danger, simply pressing a button sounds an alarm at the main gates and a safety contact of your choice.

2. Install a surveillance system

Even if you don’t have kids that you leave in the care of maids or too many valuables to speak of, a CCTV is recommended. The very presence of a CCTV will discourage maids and other potential criminals from committing a crime.

The ones that broadcast probably cost a little more than the ones that simply record. So you can opt of the latter, but it doesn’t hurt to have an extra set of eyes.

3. Better Locks

If the apartment you live in is rented, this is all the more applicable. It makes sense to have the old lock changed to a fresh and solid one. We never know if the previous tenant has a key or not. Even otherwise, if the home is your own, having a high-end, hard to break locking system for your door is strongly recommended.

The general understanding is that units on the lower floors are more prone to burglary and crimes as opposed to higher floor units. So if your flat it is on the lower floors, make it a point to change or strengthen your locks every few years. In plenty of cases, a simple screw driver or even hair clips can be bent to form tools to pick a lock with.

4. Secure your balcony

Again, more applicable for the units in the lower floors. It does make sense to install grills or other forms of protection in your balcony to deter criminals or sometimes even animals. The doors that lead inside from the balcony too must be strengthened so that they won’t be easily picked.

5. Never drop your guard

This involves a series of things that you must do to keep yourselves and your family safe. This is just a basic set of pointers, we recommend that you get to know your neighborhood and premises better so that you know what to look out for.

  • Beware of deception crimes. Burglars often pose as utility workers to gain access to your house. Having a system like ADDA Gatekeeper can do wonders in preventing such imposters.
  • Keep copies of the ID cards your domestic staff provide. If you are not around when they come for duty, having a CCTV helps keep an eye on them.
  • Make your valuables hard to find. Don’t go for the conventional key under the pillow system. Install wall safes or lockers that are pretty hard to break.
  • Connect with your neighbors. Know who lives around you.
  • Strongly urge your residents association to install a system like ADDA Gatekeeper which not only monitors visitors and other gate-related activities, but also gives you perks like pre-checking in visitors and lots more.

The Final Word

In today’s times when security is starting to be considered a myth, being on your guard is vital to ensure that you and family stay safe. We cannot stress enough on the importance of having a software based solution at the gates and within to not just secure your apartment but also to bring together the residents and make for better a quality life.

We hope you found the article useful and do let us know if you have any concerns or safety tips that you would like to share. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends. Cheers!

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Residents

Indian Government Mandates Panic Alert Buttons In Mobiles

Aug 17,2017 / By / No Comment

As per the statement issued late last year by the Indian Telecom Minister – Sri. Ravi Sankar Prasad, panic alert buttons have been made mandatory in all phones sold in Indian markets.

The rule has been imposed since 1st of January, 2017. While mobile manufacturers are still trying to make design changes to suit this need, the general public and officials see this as a welcome move.

With crimes and attacks against women in particular, showing a rise, this is certainly a step in the right direction towards ensuring security.

 

panic-alert-buttons

In addition to panic alert buttons, inbuilt GPS modules too will be a compulsory feature in mobiles sold in India. The Telecom Minister stressed that technology is something that is meant to make human life easier and secure and that this was one of the ways in which we could actually achieve it, especially for the safety of our women.

The Background & Why This Was Long Overdue

The idea of a panic alert buttons was proposed simultaneously by the public and officials shortly after the Delhi gangrape and murder case happened in late 2013. Many felt that such a system may have saved the poor woman’s life. The Nirbhaya incident, as it was called, sparked widespread panic and associations that supported women’s welfare and other similar causes stepped forth to seek Govt. support to set up the necessary framework to enhance women’s security.

With the Government’s support, the Nirbhaya fund was set up which further powered various other initiatives like the tie up with police and mobile service provider to dole out immediate assistance to women in danger.

The panic alert feature in cell phones is one that was unanimously supported by officials and the general public alike. It is a relief to see that it has been implemented without much delay. As citizens, we need to understand that we don’t all have personal guards or Z-level security. We could easily be in situations that require help from emergency services and family. This could be a feature that would save your life one day.

How Panic Alert Buttons Work

As of now, the feature is designed in such a way that a long press on the keys 9 or 5 would initiate a call to invoke an emergency service. In case this cannot be programmed into the phone, the power on/off button should invoke the emergency call when short pressed 3 times.

While it would have been nice to have a dedicated button for the purpose, the fact that it could be accidentally pressed raising a false alarm deterred the phone companies and the authorities.

However, many have expressed that they feel that this is not sufficient. Because the panic button alerts only officials and emergency services and not kin, the feature seems incomplete to many.

The Better Option

As this rule came into being only this year, many people are yet to upgrade to phones that have this feature. Some just do not have the inclination to upgrade either for whatever reasons. For such people, here’s an alternative that would require just a few clicks on your existing phone –

It’s simple. The ADDA app.

The ADDA ERP & Admin app is something that is designed to manage activities inside an apartment. MCs from 1200+ apartment complexes from around the country make use of it to manage their societies.

While the ADDA app is for the residents to communicate with themselves and the staff. It is hugely popular across the country with 18500+ apartments already using it for internal communication.

How’s this relevant to our topic? Easy. The ADDA app has an inbuilt panic alert feature which raises a compelling alarm when pressed. Except the ones who are alerted are people within close reach. Here’s who the panic alert will reach –

  1. Security personnel at the gate
  2. Neighbors or trusted contacts that you pick

As opposed to emergency services, these are people who are in your immediate vicinity and are therefore, capable of taking immediate action.

And It Comes With Benefits Too

As you may already know, ADDA is dedicated to improving life inside apartment complexes. If you don’t use it already, we strongly recommend that you try it out. Visitor management, guest notifications, Panic Alert, parking management, accounting, accounting, and billingand billing etc are some of the features that we have.

In fact, why don’t you try it today? – Request Demo

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Residents

Stop Miscreants Entering Your Apartment using #1 Visitor Management System

Jun 14,2017 / By / No Comment

There’s a reason why everyone prefers to reside in a gated community. There are various amenities, a sense of being a part of a large family and above all, better security than in independent houses. Most apartments do have guards, CCTV surveillance and very vigilant residents. So while this definitely puts them at a higher level of security, some isolated incidents still manage to happen and that instills fear in all of us. visitor management system

So, how do you stop miscreants from slipping into a society and committing crimes?

There are the obvious options –

  • Increasing the number of security guards on duty
  • More CCTV cameras
  • Drills for the residents to be vigilant all the time and to report any activity that seems suspicious
  • Stricter rules for checking people in

There are quite a few things that can be done to ramp up security. But the thing is this – All these measures, even when implemented in the best possible way, are obsolete.

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