Solving a Real-World Challenge on Busy Sets
We’re excited to share a new and innovative use case for MobileGuard: deployment on film and TV sets.
Film and TV productions operate at a fast pace, with large crews, long hours, and mobile facilities that need to work wherever the production goes. One ongoing challenge for studio canteens, especially mobile canteens, is managing fair use of complimentary food and drink. In past cases, unrestricted access has sometimes led to abuse, including excessive use of high-value items such as chocolate bars and takeaway goods, which can quickly inflate costs and disrupt supply for the rest of the cast and crew.
MobileGuard as a Mobile Canteen Solution
Sensor Access MobileGuard has now been deployed on sets as a simple, non-intrusive method of managing and monitoring usage at mobile canteens.
1. MobileGuard canteen kit is easy to set up for rapid deployment
2. Once MobileGuard is set up users simply scan their card to verify authorization
3. User activity is logged by MobileGuard creating a record of canteen usage
4. Detailed reports can viewed allowing identification of any excessive usage
Each actor and crew member already carries a proximity card. When they take an item from the mobile canteen (whether it’s a coffee, snack, or meal) they simply present their card at a mounted phone or tablet to verify authorization. If the user is not authorized services can be denied.
MobileGuard then logs the transaction instantly, creating a clear and auditable record of usage. Reports can be downloaded showing a breakdown of user activity, allowing easy identification of any suspicious activity or excessive usage.
Designed for Mobility and Speed
Because Mobile Guard runs on standard Android devices, it’s ideal for temporary or mobile environments like film sets. Canteen staff can operate anywhere on site without fixed terminals, while data syncs securely back to the central system. The result is full visibility and control, without compromising convenience.
This allows production teams to:
- Monitor how often individuals use the canteen
- Identify unusual or excessive usage patterns
- Ensure fair access for everyone on set
- Reduce waste, loss, and resale of complimentary items
All without slowing down service or creating friction for staff.
Additionally, MobileGuard can download the system database for seamless offline operation. If the Wi-Fi or mobile connection drops, MGA continues to function and automatically syncs with GuardPoint10 once the connection is restored, allowing the system to function even on remote shoots where a stable connection may not be available.
MobileGuard achieves this by harnessing the phone’s internal NFC reader and Camera to check credentials. The App uses a bi-laterally authenticated HTTPS(mTLS) connection to communicate with the server, ensuring all communication is encrypted.
A Growing Range of Use Cases
This deployment highlights how MobileGuard goes beyond traditional access control. From smart canteen control and transport check-ins to mustering, inspections, and temporary operations, MobileGuard adapts to real-world challenges where flexibility matters.
We’re proud to see MobileGuard supporting one of the world’s leading film studios and helping production teams run more efficiently behind the scenes.
If you’d like to learn more about how MobileGuard can be adapted for your environment, please get in touch with our team today.
