SkillGuard for Thames Water NFC

This app is designed to read SkillGuard and CSCS smartcards and visitor passes.

The SkillGuard app allows anyone to check their own SkillGuard smartcard to view their current competences, training and qualifications.

In addition to SkillGuard smartcards, the app will also read any CSCS smartcards that have been enrolled into the client’s SkillGuard database.

The app also allows authorised card checkers to undertake a range of other activities. These include:

authenticating their team by checking their cards

undertaking spot checks

electronically checking visitor and vehicle passes generated from SkillGuard

managing access control in and out of work – for both cardholders and visitors

recording the addition of locally-delivered training (e.g. inductions and briefings).

All card checking and reading activities are automatically synchronised to the SkillGuard database to provide full audit records for clients.

This app allows checks to be facilitated either using NFC or QR code (where applicable). SkillGuard smartcards can either be checked by scanning the QR code on the front of the card or by reading the microchip within the smartcard using NFC.

NB: Visitor passes can only be checked by scanning their QR code.

NB: CSCS cards can only be checked using NFC as they do not have QR codes.

This app can be used with any Android smartphone or tablet (Android 4 and above) with a rear-facing autofocus camera and NFC. SkillGuard smartcards can be read securely using NFC, as these devices read information from the smartcard’s microchip electronically. Internet access is not required to read smartcards using NFC. The smartcard’s microchip can be checked using NFC with no internet availability whatsoever. However if internet access is available when reading a card using NFC, any updates for that card from the SkillGuard database are transferred automatically to the smartcard.

All smartcard checking activities are uploaded automatically to the database when an internet connection is present or will be uploaded later when connectivity is restored by re-launching the app.

To use NFC, make sure it’s enabled in the Wireless & Networks settings of your smartphone before you attempt to read any cards.

The application is easy to use:

1. Open the app.

2. If using NFC, hold the SkillGuard smartcard to the back, near the top, of your device OR click the QR code button and focus the camera on the card’s QR code.

3. Depending on the card presented, either the card itself will be shown to the cardholder or a menu of options will be displayed for authorised card checkers only.

4. Follow the on screen options.

Please note: the app does not work with Galaxy S3 Mini.

SkillGuard is sold exclusively by Reference Point Ltd and is the full copyright of Reference Point Ltd.