WIRELESS GUARDIAN ANGEL.The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.
demonstrates a new wireless-based security system developed
to protect local organizations from "inside jobs" or
pilferage, fire and theft. Video taken by INQUIRER.net technology reporter
Erwin Oliva in Makati City, Philippines.
PLDT offers wireless security solution vs pilferage By Erwin Oliva INQUIRER.net First Posted 17:41:00 04/04/2008
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) recently unveiled a unique wireless security solution that aims to deter pilferage or "inside jobs" in local companies.
Noting that local companies are now allocating around 0.5 percent to 1 percent of their gross revenues to "internal pilferage," PLDT executives said the company has partnered with security firm Guard All to come up with a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)-based wireless security solution that comes with a central management station that can quickly alert authorities.
"Traditional security systems usually give you an alarm. Most of the time, it's too late. A security system should be a step ahead, allowing companies to act swiftly, and eventually do post-audit," said Derek Ramsey, president of Guard All, which has partnered with PLDT to create PLDT Guardian.
Ramsey said Guard All started working with PLDT two years ago. After some due diligence, PLDT and his company finally decided to start offering the wireless security solution against theft, fire, and inside jobs.
But this corporate solution goes beyond preventing crime. He said some of his clients have reported an increase in revenues as a result of a "wired" security solution.
"There will always be theft, fires, and internal pilferage," said Nerissa Ramos, first vice president and head of the corporate business group of PLDT.
Offered as a corporate solution, Ramos said PLDT is eyeing all enterprises in the Philippines, which are now spending millions to maintain security.
The PLDT Guardian is also a device-based solution that only requires a little human intervention. Different sensors for smoke, shock, and breaking glass, among others, are wirelessly connected to a control panel that looks like a telephone. This control panel is then hooked up to a GPRS terminal box, which alerts the central management station.
Ramsey, who is a former policeman in London, said local banks are mainly driving the demand for wireless security solutions.
Ramos said that 17,000 of the 24,000 crime incidents reported to the Philippine National Police were cases of theft and robbery. He also cited figures that indicated an estimated P2.3 billion worth of properties lost to fire by end of the year.
Five other companies are offering similar security solutions in the country, Ramsey said.
PLDT said the wireless security solution is more cost-effective than a traditional security system, but added that this system will complement human security personnel.
Clients only need to pay a "reasonable" one-time downpayment, and a monthly fixed fee.
Eric Alberto, senior vice president and customer sales and marketing group head, said PLDT will launch more ICT-based solutions for corporate clients.
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