With the increase in the number of houses in the gated communities, comes not only an enhanced level of security but also a lot of confusion at the gates. With tons of people coming in and out of the community on an everyday basis, a lot of uninvited people may also step into your community, and here, is when the problem creeps in. The security guards are neither motivated nor educated enough to keep a strict check on who is coming into the community and leaving at what time. Hence increases a gap between the expected and the delivered security level of the communities.
MyGate is designed to enhance security and improve community management through technology. When used to its maximum potential, residents experience seamless urban living, and the work of security personnel, facility managers and daily staff is made easier. We intend to not only bridge this gap and enhance the security of a gated community but also take the immense pressure off the guards and everyone associated with a gated community.
Here is how we intend on achieving our aim:
1. Gives the owners a complete control on who is let into the community
MyGate gives the residents of the gated communities a complete control on deciding who steps into the community. So only people they are expecting will be allowed entry, hence eliminating a major section of the society that may cause danger. There are also other features like pre-approving entries and instantly hiring house helps among the many other features of MyGate which help in lessening the stress of the residents.
2. Lessens the stress on the guards
A typical community hires 3–4 guards who work for a specific shift, these guards are neither educated nor are they paid enough for the job they do. Hence the amount of expectations from the guards to make sure that only the right people enter the apartment is pretty stressful. MyGate automates most of the entry and exit procedures making is easier for the guards to keep a check and monitor the activities at the gate. Thus, creating a secure environment.
3. Helping the management committee keep a complete check on the community
The basic role of the management community of a society is to ensure the safety and security of the residents and also make sure all their needs are catered to. MyGate helps the management committee by automating the safety measures with the help of technology. It also provides features where house helps can be hired instantly, visitors can be pre-approved, security alarms are available at their fingertips, among the many other features which make the living of the society not only safe but a lot easier.
We have put together a few best practices, based on our learnings from the thousands of communities that use our product extensively. Let’s take a quick look…
Best practices at MyGate communities
General guidelines
1. Empower your guards
Your security guards are an important cog in the MyGate wheel. If they are going to use the app to approve or deny entry to visitors, they need to know that they have the backing of the managing committee.
2. Encourage usage
MyGate does conduct training sessions for residents and provides access to ample instructional material, but it is important for the committee to encourage adoption and usage of the app during the initial weeks.
3. Register all staff
All daily service providers should be registered on MyGate along with their photographs. This is a one-time procedure that will enable all residents to a) receive notifications when their staff enter and exit the community, and b) find top-rated help, as and when needed.
4. Promote security as shared responsibility
Advance the idea that security is the responsibility of every resident in the community. If every resident ensures that their visitors are approved via the app, security for the entire community will be elevated. Simultaneously, they (and their visitors) will be able to enjoy the convenience of seamless entries.
Guidelines for app features
5. Use the gatepass feature
Giveaways to household help should be pre-notified on the MyGate app using the ‘Gatepass’ feature. This will keep them from awkward questions from the security guard in case you’ve given them something to take home.
6. Opt for smartrye
The Management Committee should opt for the ‘SmartEye’ feature on the MyGate app to put in place a foolproof mechanism for recording attendance of security guards and society housekeeping staff.
7. Pre-approve visitors on the app
In order to ensure hassle-free entry for visitors, residents can use the pre-approval feature of the MyGate app. With this feature, residents can invite visitors in advance by generating a 6-digit OTP. Visitors are allowed access after sharing this OTP with the security guard. In case the OTP is incorrect, the security guard can follow the normal approval process for visitors.
8. Approve impromptu visitors through MyGate
In case a visitor arrives without a passcode, the guard should create an entry using the visitor mode of the MyGate app. Residents can then approve the entry using the in-app ring or on the e-intercom. If neither of the two approvals are received, the guard should place a call via the normal intercom to seek approval. Visitors shouldn’t be let in without approval.
9. Make use of the overstay alert
The management committee should set guidelines for the ‘Overstay alert’ via the app. This will raise an alert every time a delivery boy or a cab driver does not leave society within a specified time. The security guard can check for visitors who are still inside the premises post the security alarm.
Guidelines for Managing Vehicles
10. Use vehicle mode
In order to ensure smooth entry of resident vehicles without RFID or sticker, residents can add their vehicle numbers on the MyGate app. This enables the security guard to identify resident vehicles using the ‘Vehicle’ mode of the MyGate app, hence ensuring a smooth experience for the residents.
11. Manage timed entries with ease
In case a 4-wheeler belonging to a service provider needs access to the premises for at least 15 minutes, the guard can follow the normal visitor process. The security guard is expected to capture pictures of all members in the group. He can identify a leader and record his name and number on the MyGate app, along with the staff count for the resident’s approval.
Other Guidelines
12. Ensure authorized access to amenities
For accessing the clubhouse, the residents can provide a 6-digit passcode available through the MyGate app. They will also need to upload their photos on the app to ensure that only the residents are given access to the clubhouse.
13. Raise quick alerts
Residents are encouraged to use the templatised security alert feature of the MyGate app for quick alerts to the guard.
14. Broadcast communications faster
Management committee should use the notice board feature on the admin portal for apartment wide communication on important guidelines and news.
15. Check the living dashboard regularly
The management committee should periodically access the admin dashboard to check the attendance of security and housekeeping staff as well as daily statistics on visitor movement to identify suspicious or irregular activity, if any.
We hope that you are able to follow and implement these simple guidelines to maximise the MyGate convenience. Should you need any assistance, feel free to get in touch with our team at [email protected]. We’d be happy to help!
Community Living