Setting Up a Detex Guard Tour System (Page 2)

Most Detex guard tour systems rely on reporting software to convert collected patrol data into readable, documented reports. After officers complete their tours and download the data from the handheld reader, the software processes the information and generates verification records.

Guard Tour Reporting Software

In traditional configurations, the client provides a computer for the software installation. This may be a standalone desktop PC, a laptop, or a workstation connected to a network. The handheld Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) connects to the system through a transfer interface, allowing patrol data to be uploaded for processing.

Earlier systems such as the Detex Patrol Manager allowed limited direct printing from the reader without a computer. However, modern Detex systems utilize Windows-based reporting platforms such as TopGuard and TopGuard Plus, which provide expanded reporting features and improved data management.

What the Reports Show

Once downloaded, the guard tour software translates raw checkpoint scans into detailed patrol reports. These reports typically include:

• Date and time each checkpoint was visited
• Missed checkpoints (not visited as required)
• Extra visits labeled as “double” or “multiple”
• Checkpoints visited that were not assigned to the tour
• Optional officer identification
• Logged incidents or observations

Reports often conclude with a numerical summary of total checkpoints scanned, missed, or repeated during the tour cycle.

Establishing Patrol Tours

If upgrading from an older Detex system or transitioning from another brand, patrol routes may already be defined. In new installations, however, tours must be planned and configured within the software.

Key decisions include:

• How many separate tours are required
• Which checkpoints belong to each tour
• Required visit frequency for each checkpoint
• Download schedule for report generation

These decisions are based on operational needs. Most organizations already know what areas must be inspected and how frequently. The guard tour system simply formalizes and documents those requirements in a structured, reportable format.

Careful planning during initial setup ensures that patrol verification reflects actual security expectations rather than arbitrary checkpoint placement. In the next section, we will review practical installation considerations and checkpoint positioning guidelines.