It’s been a little over 365 days of hard work, fun and learning for me at MyGate. The opportunity to shape the roadmap for, and run experiments on, a product that powers over a million homes is exactly what I had hoped for at this stage of my career. I honestly have enjoyed every one of these days, but some have been more special than others. Here are my three most memorable days at MyGate.
Day 1: Launching the feedback feature on iOS
I have successfully led multiple key initiatives in the past year, but the most memorable one has to be the day we launched the user feedback feature on the app. The primary purpose was to understand and resolve consumers’ problems quickly. We identified the right places to seek feedback on critical features and it worked very well as we were able to route the complaints for quick resolution.
This also had a remarkable impact on the App Store ratings with a 10x growth in iOS app reviews in a month. Building a feature to figure out one key high in the entire user journey, gather feedback, and finally steer it towards a positive outcome, both in terms of better user experience and improved ratings, is a proud moment.
Day 2: The Ideathon 2019
MyGate is always buzzing with energy and ideas. In my first few months here, it seemed like every other day someone would stop me in the corridor to discuss ideas for a new feature. In early May, I decided it was essential to formalise the process – with an Ideathon. The founders agreed and I was eager to see it through. The only problem? I had never organised an event of any kind.
Reluctantly, I sent out an email seeking entries, knowing full well that there would be an avalanche of entries – and that it would mean planning a full-blown event. As expected, we had a lot of entries flowing in from all 10 cities.
Over the next week, I would spend a big chunk of my day as an event planner! We flew in colleagues from other cities, agreed on an evaluation criteria, organised food, stay and entertainment, shortlisted judges and much more for the 48-hour event in no time. The event was a great success and now I can’t wait to plan Ideathon 2020.
Day 3: Running the Midnight Marathon
Weeks ago, I took time out on a Saturday to do a work thing! Not quite, of course.
I teamed up with three of my colleagues to participate in a corporate relay, the Midnight Marathon. The goal was to complete a circuit of 10km by dividing the distance among the team. The run was scheduled to commence at 10:50 pm.
The energy of the runners turned up in huge numbers was quite a ‘warm up’ session in itself. We got our running gear on and waited for the final whistle to blow. I was able to sprint through my course in a record 15 minutes, which was no less than a personal achievement. Also, the fact that the event was organised with an objective to improve the lives of thousands of underprivileged children, made it a fulfilling experience.
Sensitivity of Data
Biometrics have become one of the very popular authentication and authorization mechanisms. A lot of financial authorisation happens with fingerprints, further it is used for PDS and subsidies in India. One of the major factors for its use is that it’s considered foolproof and using it requires no effort. The one thing to realize about biometrics is that you cannot reset it — you cannot replace your finger.” If a password is compromised, you can change it. You can use something that’s longer, more complex, and difficult to guess. If your biometrics like fingerprint or retina scan is compromised, how would you change or update that? That would be scary, impossible, and frustrating.
Regulations
Considering the seriousness of biometric data, in India, the collection, storage and handling of biometric data is governed by the information technology law contained under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act), primarily through the rules framed under it. The Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 (Privacy Rules) lays out the specific conditions that regulate personal information and sensitive personal data or information, including biometric data. Some of the key conditions applicable are as under:
1. Collection: To collect biometric data from a person, a body corporate (Entity) is required to obtain the data subject’s written consent regarding collection and usage of such data. This consent would mean giving an option to not provide biometric data sought. Given its sensitive nature, biometric data can be collected only for a lawful purpose which is connected with and essential to the Entity’s function.
2. Retention: Once the purpose is fulfilled, the Entity can no longer retain the biometric data collected by it.
3. Disclosure: To be able to disclose any biometric data with a third party, the Entity must obtain the data subject’s permission. This permission may be obtained under the contract between the Entity and data subject. Disclosure may also be made for compliance with law or is being made to government agencies mandated to obtain information, which may be for identity verification, or for prevention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of offences.
4. Transfer: Biometric data can be transferred to any other person, in India or outside, only with concerned data subject’s consent to the transfer, or if transfer is necessary for performance of a lawful contract between the Entity and data subject. An important condition attached to such transfer is that the recipient needs to ensure the same level of data protection as the transferring Entity.
Additionally, an Entity handling biometric data needs to implement and maintain ‘reasonable security practices and procedures’. If an Entity’s failure to implement ‘reasonable security practices and procedures’ results in wrongful loss to the data subject or wrongful gain to the Entity or any person, such Entity is liable to pay damages as compensation to the affected.
Ease of Cloning & Spoofing
Fingerprints are very easy to clone. Just a single search on google will show you how people have used impressions on paper, gum, gummy candy and what not to easily spoof fingerprints. When the primary purpose of fingerprints is for attendance, it has been observed that people game the system by using 2 of their fingers to register for themselves and use their other fingers for registering for others. This way they are able to fill attendance for their colleagues without any issues.
Practical Challenges
Blue collared staff sometimes have lines on their fingers damaged leading to a poor capture and match. The problem is more pronounced with continuous usage in outdoor conditions. When a user enrolls in a biometric system, his or her information is likely recorded in a well-lit, stable, predictable environment. But in the recurring use of the sensor, the conditions will not be ideal, and will probably have degraded. Scanners get soiled as they pick up dust and grease from fingers. This opens up some issues, ranging from the simple inability to access a system to the misidentification of an individual. In practice, these problems can have significant implications
Security Aspect
Fingerprints should be kept in the scanner device. Even on the device they should be encrypted and stored in device memory. They should not be transmitted even in encrypted for over network or stored. Even Google doesn’t store any fingerprints on cloud or otherwise and saves it locally on the mobile in its physical memory which cannot be accessed by normal CPU processes.
December Release Updates
Here’s a quick view of what’s new for you.
Previous Release Notes
Moving houses is one of the most exhausting and difficult things to do. You feel the stress from the moment the decision is made, the first box packed and finally when the movers are hired. But not anymore! Introducing Mygate exclusive, move-in move-out mechanism to help you get rid of on-paper formalities and save yourself the hassle of running around.
Why Mygate move-in, move-out?
This feature brings in the following benefits:
- Real-time information on your move-in move-out application
- Pay the move-in move-out charges via the app
- A smart, convenient experience for you
- Complete all the formalities much before the actual moving in or moving out date
- Read the rules and regulations of the society in advance to prevent yourself from unpleasant experiences
Mygate is the first app in the market to have launched this feature, simplifying the comprehensive and scattered process of move-in and move-out to less than a few clicks. The complete flow is designed intuitively, keeping in mind the ease-of-use and maximum convenience.
The move-out process
- Go to ‘settings’ on the top right corner of your mobile app, then to flat settings and choose ‘move-out/delete’. Understand the move-out rules to avoid unpleasant experiences or last minute surprises around move-out date and select a move-out date.
- Complete the move out application, check off the digital checklist, make the necessary payments to clear any dues along with the move-out charges – all in the Mygate app
- Once the application is approved, a move-out gate pass is generated.
- This is a 6-digit unique passcode that must be shown at the gate when the vehicle carrying your household items is leaving.
The move-in process
- When you sign up on Mygate to add a new flat/villa, select ‘Moving in’
- Understand the move-in rules to avoid unpleasant experiences or last minute surprises around move-in date
- Complete the move-in application, update your household details, attach the documents requested for by the management committee, and make the move-in charge payment all in the Mygate app
- Once the application is approved, a move-in gate pass is generated. This is a 6-digit unique passcode that must be shown at the gate when the vehicle carrying your household items is leaving.
For more information around the feature, please get in touch with your society admin or write to us at [email protected].
Kids without school and no agenda or direction can be a recipe for mayhem and madness. While summer vacations are a much-deserved respite from the academic year, a child’s restless energy must be channelized creatively, away from constant digital distractions like video games, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube.
Truth be told, gated communities provide the golden opportunity for your kids to develop essential social skills, learn teamwork, and spend time outdoors. With this they learn to be a part of a lively and thriving network of well-adjusted children whose first experience of positive contribution to the society began early at home, leading to happy and healthy adulting in the future.
If you live in an apartment complex/gated community, you’d probably have umpteen kids from all ages idling away their time throughout their summer break. Why not bring them all together to create an unforgettable summer filled with stories, adventures and oodles of fun? We’ve put together a list of summer activities that check all the boxes for what’s considered a wholesome young Gen Z vibe, adding fun, learning, health and community outreach to the mix.
1. Movie Screening
Weekend movie screenings at the community hall or garden with delicious refreshments and snacks are always a good way to engage children and adults. Pick from animated children’s classics (Ice Age, The Lion King, Frozen, etc.) or play the latest superhero movie installment. The projector, screen, and sound system can be sourced and rented locally for a fair price.
2. Personalized Treasure Hunt
Instead of standard party treasure hunt, personalize an epic quest for children of all age groups. Pair them according to their unique skills and talents and create multiple levels of the game with educational and skill-based clues throughout the duration of the summer with plain in sight hiding places within the building premises.
3. Costume Party
There’s no dearth of costume rentals that cater to every character preference your child may have, be it Spiderman, Flash, Hermione, or even a Fortnite Skin. As a DIY alternative, encourage children to create outfits by themselves and go prop hunting together.
4. Karaoke Night
Children don’t need alcohol or an idyllic beach setting to let go of their inhibitions. Hook them up with a karaoke machine for an evening, they’ll lap it up with their own renditions of the latest chart-toppers like no tomorrow.
5. Game Night
Mark a day in the week to play new and exciting games, a classic formula for engagement. Apart from the usual charades, Pictionary and card games, try Jackbox Party games that include Trivia Murder Mystery or Cranium – fun game for all ages. Make things more interesting by giving surprise gifts and creating leaderboards.
6. Mini Marathon
Organising a 2k or 5k fun run for a cause can indeed be a healthy and engaging activity to pique children’s interest in fitness as well as social awareness. Generate support for free pit stops from local businesses on the marathon route.
7. Yoga/ Martial Arts Workshops
Yoga improves memory, cognitive functions, coordination, and stress management in kids while Martial Arts are good for self-defense, stamina, and discipline. Learning with other children helps develop healthy social interactions that kids should naturally adapt to growing up. Hire instructors after thorough background and credential screening for the safety of your children.
8. Sports Championship
Colony cricket and football tournaments are all the rage in Indian cities as they hold massive entertainment value and spread the spirit of healthy competitiveness. Get together with nearby buildings/communities and organize a championship trophy series at the local sports ground. Other options include hosting swimming, tennis, handball, basketball, hockey and kabaddi tournaments at sports clubs and gymkhana.
9. Cleanliness Drive
Want to inculcate strong moral values and civic sense in your little ones? Participate in a local cleanliness initiative (with the local municipality, PWD, state hospitals/schools, NGOs, etc) or organize one independently in your neighborhood after hiring an external specialist agency. Children can learn segregation of waste, recycling basics, appropriate waste disposal and hand washing techniques, prevention from toxic/biomedical waste, composting, etc.
10. Bake Sale/Cook-off
A family that cooks together, stays together (and occasionally wins a contest too.) Bring together mothers with their kids for some quality bonding time at baking/cooking competitions MasterChef style. Set up temporary open-air kitchens in the building garden. Once the contest is over, turn the mouth-watering delights into a potluck party. Alternately, organize a bake sale and award the highest-selling confectionery maker from among the participants.
11. Flea Market
Children love DIY projects although they need to be trained in working with both their left and right brain hemispheres to balance critical thinking with their creative flair. Organize a craft fair (weekly/monthly basis) where they are encouraged to sell their own creations such as everyday objects/tools, new and innovative inventions, paintings, photographs, jewelry, toys, wall art, accessories, wallets, etc. Their very first financial earnings in the form of sale proceeds would be their most memorable.
12. Career Day
Make the summer productive and informative for your children in the most immersive way possible. Select residents or parents from across your apartment complex to give a small presentation on their careers and later hold a Q and A session for follow up questions for children to ask. It’s best if you pick a diverse group of presenters, that represent a range of modern, relevant and fun occupations, not limiting options to only Engineers and Chartered Accountants.
It helps if you set aside a good amount in the society’s Annual Budget for summer activities while also forming a special committee beforehand to manage, execute and supervise all planned activities. To increase participation from all residents, invite suggestions and ideas at society meetings. All in all, make every vacation day brim with joy and action before your little ones get busy with academic routines again. Children emulate adults; the more involved and enthusiastic you are, the more excited they will be to do their best and have a good ol’ time.
MyGate is today at over 6,000 gates, processing a million entries for over 1.2 million homes every day. Each of these million entries represents the valuable saving of time or effort in an increasingly chaotic urban India. As you can imagine, this is an effort on a mammoth scale. The MyGate app and our 700+ workforce spread across our cities are certainly at the forefront, but we’re by no means alone. Joining us on this journey are tens of thousands of security guards who define a major part of the experience for our users and each of their visitors.
In case you’re wondering how they are able to operate the app, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the training process for our guards.
Initial Training
Before our systems go live, each of the guards at the society receives in-person training from MyGate personnel over four to six days. In the month of June 2019 alone, over 800 such training sessions were conducted.
We begin each training by explaining the purpose of MyGate and then move on to a demo of the guard device (note: this is a locked device on which only the MyGate guard app runs). Once the guards are familiar with its interface, we get started with the four main modules.
These are interactive sessions conducted in smaller groups over two hours across the week. To ensure that guards are not overwhelmed by the information, we have split up the training into the following modules: Profile Creation, Approval & Pre-Approval Creation, Pre-Approval, Leave at Gate and Overstay Alert.
At the end of the week, a test is conducted to assess the comfort level of the guards with the MyGate system. Until the guards do not clear this test to our satisfaction, our systems do not go live. In the past three years, over 1.5 lakh guards have completed their training. The ones that do exceedingly well here receive certificates of appreciation.
Certificate of Training awarded to a MyGate guardKnowledge Monitoring & Re-training
For the bulk of the guards, this single training is sufficient, and it’s common for the majority of check-ins to be error-free from the first week itself. However, a single test can’t guarantee success. Therefore, our team also monitors guard performance on a regular basis. The first clue to inadequate guard performance is delays in the check-out process.
In case we find that a particular society is checking out visitors, particularly delivery executives, after a significant delay, another training is immediately scheduled. But this isn’t the only reason we go back to retrain our guards. There are even instances when guards themselves have asked for another training because they are keen on learning more advanced features on the app or wish to improve their performance.
Encouraging Better Performance
The MyGate guard app has a simple interface and is as intuitive as any other app with a high usage rate. To ensure that guard interest remains high at all times, we have also gamified the app to some extent, with a monthly leaderboard. Every month, in each of our cities, the guards stand a chance to win a cash incentive as acknowledgement of their good performance under what we now call the SuperGuard Programme. Since its launch six months ago, we have noticed a significant improvement in guard performance across the board.
A few of MyGate’s recent SuperGuards
Of course, no training would ever be sufficient if MyGate didn’t make the job of the security guard easier, more interesting and more impactful. From the feedback we collect from them, we know that it does all three. And if there’s one thing that makes us happier than good feedback on the app from our users, it’s hearing about the MyGate experience from our guards – the most active users on our platform. It is they who ensure convenience and security over a million times each day for our users.