The Benefits of Traveller Tracking

Traveller tracking can be a sensitive subject with organisations and individuals having very mixed views on the topic. Some people appreciate the need while others can be sceptical believing their employers are just trying to keep tabs on their whereabouts. 

In our experience, tracking isn’t being used in a sinister way by organisations, it’s being implemented to enable and support safe travel. There are many types of tracking  available and here are some of the options we provide for clients:

1. ‘Passive Tracking’ also known as ‘Itinerary Management’. Our system allows you to upload or integrate your travel itineraries. It uses the itinerary to provide location information based on all elements of travel. This give a good indication of where your travellers are at any given point in time.

2. Check–In function for location confirmation or lone worker monitoring. This can be managed in two ways; i) Users can check-in ad hoc whenever they decide is an appropriate time, or ii) organisations can schedule check-in times as part of the risk mitigation process.

3. Monitor Me is commonly known as the ‘bread crumb’ trail activated by the traveller if they become uncomfortable or lost. It can be set to update the travellers position periodically from as little as 30 seconds up to 60 mins.

4. ‘Active Tracking’ is the most accurate and is commonly used if travelers are entering regions of elevated risk. It is user activated and works instantly, consistently and continually until it is turned off.

5. Geofencing is where our system can create a virtual geographic boundary, if a traveller leaves or enters that particular area our team will receive a notification. This is mainly used in regions of high or extreme risk and can be used as a risk mitigation measure

6. ‘SOS’ enables the traveller to alert our dedicated Global Response Centre and/ or chosen representatives that the traveller requires immediate assistance.

Travel Risk Management

As part of an organisation’s travel risk management framework, information about tracking options should be included in its travel policy and written into the mitigations within a traveller's risk assessment. If organisations are transparent in their use of tracking and clearly state the benefitsto employees it will help to eliminate feelings of distrust.
At Securewest we've found that acceptance to tracking varies widely depending on the individual’s profile and approach.

Some travellers put themselves at greater risk unintentionally and are more likely to encounter issues due to complaceny or over-familiarisation with their surroundings. Stereotypically they tend to be very experienced travellers who are not particularly tech savvy and don’t feel they need this support. However, things are changing and we are finding that employees are becoming more accepting of tracking technology.

With the explosion of social media and the use of 'check ins' and location information being freely submitted, the workforce, especially the millennial generation, appreciate the value and need for tracking for travel assistance and to enhance their safety.

Securewest's Recommendations:

1. Use proportionately, tracking will enable and support travel

2. The type of tracking should take into consideration the following criteria: region, risk level, individual profile, activity, risk appetite, number of travellers (a lone traveller may have different requirements to a group)

3. Clearly describe the type of tracking and how it is to be used in official documents and policies to promote transparency

4. Clearly outline the benefits so travellers see value in using it

5. Empower travellers by involving them in the decision-making process and letting them control when tracking tools are being activated rather than imposed

For more information on Travel Risk Management please contact:

Tel: +44 (0)1548 856 001
Email: info@securewest.com