fielddrive + ADS Group: Elevating Security With Cutting-Edge Event Tech

Event Overview: Security & Policing‍

ADS Group manages the Security & Policing event, the UK government’s official global security conference, organized on behalf of the Home Office by the Joint Security & Resilience Centre (JSaRC). This high-security event provides a unique platform for UK suppliers, government officials, and international leaders in law enforcement and security to connect, discuss, and explore the latest advancements in national security and resilience.

Designed to foster collaboration across sectors, Security & Policing brings together industry and academic partners with government stakeholders to support innovation in security and resilience solutions. With a focus on crime prevention and counter-terrorism, the event demands rigorous access control, comprehensive attendee verification, and strict data security measures to meet the Home Office’s high standards for government-led events.

Challenges:

• Risk of Unauthorized Access:
  With the high-profile nature of Security & Policing, it was essential that only approved attendees gained entry. ADS Group’s previous system left gaps that could allow unapproved individuals access, which posed serious security concerns. 
  “One of the key things for us is ensuring that no one who has been declined gains entry,” noted David Scotter, Director—Events and Partnerships, ADS Group.‍
• Strict Compliance with Government Standards:
  As the organizer of an official government event, ADS Group needed to uphold strict security protocols set by the Home Office. This included verifying attendees in real time, monitoring access at critical sessions, and ensuring secure data handling practices throughout the event. ‍
• Detailed Reporting for Government Accountability:
  The Home Office required ADS Group to provide precise, daily attendance data for each session. Their previous system struggled to deliver the real-time data necessary for this level of reporting. fielddrive’s reporting tools offered comprehensive, recent attendance logs, ensuring ADS could meet all accountability standards. ‍
• Lack of Modern Features and Usability:
  The absence of self-service check-in in ADS’s prior system created a more cumbersome experience for attendees and added to the staff workload. A more user-friendly, efficient process was necessary to handle the event’s high-security requirements smoothly. With fielddrive’s self-service kiosks, attendees could simply scan their QR code or type in their name and be done, reducing lines and improving security while easing staff demands.‍
• Manual and Labor-Intensive Badge Process:
  ADS Group’s previous approach to check-in and badge distribution relied heavily on manual processes. This labor-intensive setup increased wait times, requiring additional resources and reducing operational efficiency. 
  “We used to have a big desk with a row of people and badge printers. Every attendee had to wait in line,” David shared. fielddrive’s automated check-in and badging streamlined this process, freeing up ADS’s resources and enabling more efficient entry.

‍Solutions:

• Automated Verification and Badge Control:
  fielddrive’s check-in system allowed ADS Group to flag declined or unapproved registrations before badge printing, minimizing unauthorized access. With a dedicated station to manage flagged attendees, fielddrive ensured that only verified individuals gained entry, providing a much-needed layer of security.
• Real-Time Tracking and Session Access Control:
  fielddrive’s tracking capabilities enabled ADS Group to monitor attendance in real time, which was especially valuable for VIP sessions involving government representatives. This allowed ADS to meet stringent reporting requirements for government officials and ensured secure, controlled access. 
  “We track attendance for certain sessions, particularly when a government minister or senior official is present,” explained David.‍
• Enhanced Attendee Support with Self-Service Kiosks:
  fielddrive’s self-service kiosks streamlined the check-in process, allowing attendees to check into the event on their own and print their badges instantly. This self-service model not only reduced wait times but also allowed ADS staff to focus on high-security tasks.
  David noted, “The flexibility of scanning a QR code or typing in a name makes it fast and efficient.”‍
• Comprehensive Daily Reporting:
  fielddrive’s reporting tools generated real-time attendance logs, allowing ADS Group to fulfill government reporting obligations promptly and accurately. The Home Office benefited from fielddrive’s robust reporting, which supported ADS Group in achieving full compliance.
  David praised this feature, noting, “The team knows what we need and ensures I have the data on time.”
• ‍User-Friendly System for Streamlined Entry:
  By eliminating manual check-in and enabling fast, user-friendly entry, fielddrive transformed ADS Group’s badge distribution process.

Results:

• High Security and Compliance Standards Achieved:
  fielddrive’s verification and flagging system effectively controlled access, meeting the strict security requirements set by the Home Office. 
  David noted, “fielddrive’s system flags any issues, preventing badge printing until they are resolved,” adding a vital layer of protection at the event.‍
• Efficient Entry with Reduced Wait Times:
  The self-service kiosks transformed the check-in experience, drastically cutting down on wait times. Attendees could simply scan a QR code or type in their name for quick badge printing, which provided a faster and more efficient check-in. 
  David shared, “It’s a fast, effective system—scan, print the badge, and they’re through,” capturing the simplicity and efficiency.‍
• Accurate Daily Reporting:
  fielddrive’s real-time reporting capabilities ensured that ADS could meet all government reporting requirements, with accurate attendance data delivered each day. 
  David noted, “The team knows what we need and ensures I have the data on time,” supporting compliance and transparency with the Home Office.‍
• Responsive and Supportive On-Site Team:
  fielddrive’s team operated as an extension of ADS’s event staff, providing reliable support throughout.
  David emphasized, “They feel like part of our team…if there’s ever a question, they’re there and responsive,” reinforcing fielddrive’s role in the event’s success.

Conclusion:

fielddrive’s robust solutions have allowed ADS Group to meet the high-security demands of the Security & Policing event with efficiency and precision. By delivering real-time verification, accurate reporting, and a smooth check-in experience, fielddrive has enabled ADS to exceed Home Office standards and enhance the attendee experience. With fielddrive as a trusted partner, ADS Group continues to uphold its reputation for security and excellence in organizing high-profile government events.