Comparing Guard1 vs Cheaper Guard Tour Systems
If you're considering a guard tour system, maybe you've noticed that there are a lot of systems available online from China and other 3rd party resellers that are cheaper than most Guard1 guard tour systems.
As with all things, you get what you pay for. In this post, we'll compare Guard1 vs cheaper guard tour systems.
Security Guard Tour System Checkpoint
Patrol Checkpoints
The systems from China and other 3rd party resellers are with metal checkpoints that use third party "knockoff" buttons that may not meet the iButton specification – and they are not unique. Ours come from Maxim, the originators of the iButton, and they are guaranteed unique.
Some systems say "Dallas 1990A" – but they're not. Dallas Semiconductor originated the iButton, and was purchased by Maxim in 2001. The 1990A is their part number. But Chinese buttons are from unknown third parties.
Readers and Wands
Patrol and tour system readers
Plastic readers are microwaveable. Our PIPE will survive a microwave. We are always surprised by what some security officers will do to the guard tour reader.
Holsters
Reader holsters
Thin, cheap plastic holsters that will not last. Our holsters are molded and rugged.
Difference in Suppliers
Supplier
Who actually makes the guard tour system? If you've ever used Amazon, you know that rebranding is a standing business practice on their marketplace. You'll probably never know who actually made that system.
Support
Technical support
No support. Try getting support from any of the cheaper systems sold on Amazon. The rebrander will go back to their provider, who will go back to the manufacturer. At Guard1, it's easy: call us any time at 1-800-THE-PIPE.
Since they can't provide support, Chinese vendors provide software that is basic and limited.
Reader Downloaders
Downloaders
No downloader. A USB port means you'll be plugging and unplugging constantly. How long will that connector last? At Guard1, we provide several different downloader that are rugged and easy to use.
Construction
Construction and durability
Waterproof, really? If your device has a USB connector, is it really waterproof, like the manufacturer says? We've manufactured The PIPE to be waterproof and the most rugged data collector in the industry, used by over 100,000 customers since 1986.
Software
Software
Cloud software. Does your Chinese manufacturer provide cloud software? That may be a concern if you ever do U.S. Government business.
