A state-of-the-art technology, named Remote Concierge, is set to help potentially hundreds of high-rise buildings in Canada receive security services.

G4S Canada has announced a partnership with UCIT Online Security, which spent four years developing the technology that makes the service possible.

A specially trained concierge based off-site appears on a high-definition 1080p screen in the building’s reception area, and can speak with residents in real-time while providing all services that an on-site concierge would.

Remote Concierge is now on display at G4S Canada’s brand-new facility in Toronto, which houses the newly launched Secure Integration division.

Representatives from UCIT were recently invited to the official launch of the division, which aims to design, build and maintain secure technology systems that meet clients’ needs, regardless of the size, complexity or location of the project.

Customers visiting the Toronto facility can see for themselves how the Remote Concierge system can manage a building’s access control system, accept and distribute packages, issue and enforce visitor parking permits, monitor video systems 24/7 and liaise with emergency services in the event of serious incidents.

The system has been designed to be flexible, so it can fully meet the specific needs of different buildings and customers, and can either complement an on-site concierge or security officer, or provide those services to sites that would not otherwise have the budget to provide them.

Around 20 buildings already have the technology installed, with UCIT aiming to add up to six more every month following the partnership with G4S.

“I’ve lived in buildings that had a concierge, and those that didn’t, and it’s an extra level of service that I really missed when it wasn’t there,” said Rob Cherun, Managing Director of UCIT.

“The idea is that through this technology we fully emulate what an on-site concierge is able to do. We’re at the forefront of creating an entirely new industry, with the potential to take this technology into a wide range of residential properties.”

Tim Saunders, Chief Business Development Officer, G4S Canada, said: “We are very excited at the opportunities afforded by this new partnership, which will deliver technology innovation, service excellence, and strong customer focus designed specifically for the needs of the residential property market.

“In our opinion, there are no other companies offering a service that has quite the capabilities of Remote Concierge. Further, as this is an exclusive partnership, G4S is the only security company able to offer this service to the residential market in Canada.”

The business estimates that in Canada, there are currently around 1,875 residential buildings that could become Remote Concierge customers – and the service has been designed to be fully scalable into other countries and regions.

How does it work?

Video monitoring

The service is customizable based on a building’s security needs. For most cameras, video guard tours are scheduled for every 30 minutes. For critical cameras and locations, advanced video analytics are used to automate security responses.

Package collection and distribution

If no on-site guard is present, the package service is managed via a secured parcel room or closet, which only the concierge can control access to. Once a package is received, the concierge informs the resident of the delivery, confirms their identity and directs them to the appropriate shelf in the secured room. All activities are recorded and within camera view.

Visitor parking

Using property management software, Remote Concierge can be used to register guest parking and print a parking receipt locally at the front desk to be displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle. Prior to issuing a parking pass, the concierge will contact the resident by phone to confirm that they are expecting the visitor. Alternatively, a digital parking pass can be issued to the visitor through a digital visitor parking system.