Detex ProxiPenII Guard Tour System (2007 Overview)

In 2007, the Detex ProxiPen guard tour system represented a major advancement in security patrol verification. Built around RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, the ProxiPen allowed security personnel to record patrol checkpoints automatically without physically inserting a key or touching a contact station. At the time, this made it one of the most reliable and tamper-resistant guard tour solutions available.

How the ProxiPen System Worked

The system centered on a waterproof handheld reader — the ProxiPen Data Acquisition Unit — paired with RFID station tags placed throughout a facility. As the guard moved within reading range of a station tag, the unit automatically captured the checkpoint data. There were no external buttons or complicated controls. Visible and audible signals confirmed successful reads.

Unlike older mechanical watchman systems, RFID tags did not require direct contact. The ProxiPen could read tags that were wet, frosty, dirty, greasy, painted over, or concealed behind non-metallic materials such as drywall, mirrors, wallpaper, or paneling. This made it particularly valuable in facilities where aesthetics, concealment, or vandalism prevention were concerns.

Durability and Field Reliability

The ProxiPen was engineered for harsh environments. Its electronics were sealed in a polycarbonate housing, making the unit fully waterproof and resistant to heat, shock, and hydrocarbons. Powered by a single AA battery, the device could deliver up to 50,000 reads before replacement. Data was stored in non-volatile memory to prevent loss.

An anti-tampering feature disabled the unit if the battery was removed for more than ten minutes and recorded the removal time. Resetting required the companion TopGuard software, adding an additional layer of accountability.

TopGuard Software and Reporting

The system included TopGuard reporting software, which allowed supervisors to generate summary reports, detailed tour reports, and indexed activity logs. In 2006–2007, downloadable PDF manuals and setup guides were common, and many businesses configured the system internally.

Compared to earlier paper logbooks and mechanical key-based systems, this provided a significant leap in documentation accuracy and audit defensibility.

Complete System Kit

The standard ProxiPen kit typically included:

• Waterproof ProxiPen reader
• Data transfer unit
• 33 RFID station tags
• TopGuard software
• Incident log book
• Serial (9-pin) and USB connectivity options

At the time, this bundled approach offered an excellent price-to-capability ratio for security firms, hospitals, warehouses, campuses, and industrial facilities.

How Guard Tour Technology Has Evolved

In 2007, RFID-based handheld readers were considered state-of-the-art. Today, many guard tour and workforce verification systems are web-hosted, allowing real-time uploads, cloud-based reporting, and remote management from multiple locations. Modern systems may integrate mobile devices, GPS validation, and centralized dashboards that were not widely available at the time.

While the Detex ProxiPen remains a durable and respected solution for facilities preferring a dedicated handheld device, newer cloud-connected platforms provide expanded reporting, multi-site oversight, and automated data backup. For organizations evaluating patrol verification options, understanding this evolution is key to choosing the right level of control and reporting for today’s compliance requirements.