Security Guard App Messenger – Real-time communication to improve security response and operations.

Communication is the backbone of every strong security operation. When guards, supervisors, and clients are not aligned, small issues can turn into major incidents. Missed messages, unclear instructions, and scattered communication channels can break accountability and reduce efficiency.

To solve this, the Security Guard App Messenger provides a centralized, secure, and real-time communication system built specifically for security operations. It removes the need for WhatsApp, SMS, or personal messaging apps — giving companies a professional and trackable way to stay connected.

🔍 What Is the Security Guard App Messenger?

The Messenger is a built-in chat system inside the Security Guard App that connects guards, supervisors, clients, and management through instant messages, media sharing, and real-time alerts.

It is designed for:

  • Faster decision-making
  • Clear communication
  • Centralized record keeping
  • Seamless coordination across multiple guard posts

👉 Learn about more operational tools inside the app:
Explore the Security Team Management Feature

⭐ Key Features of the Security Guard App Messenger

1. Real-Time One-to-One & Group Messaging

Communication is instant — no delays.
Guards can message supervisors directly, or send updates to group channels for specific post sites.

Benefits:

  • Faster issue escalation
  • Better coordination between shifts
  • No need for external messaging apps

2. Create Custom Groups for Specific Sites or Teams

The app allows managers to create chat groups such as:

  • “Night Shift – Mall Security”
  • “Warehouse Patrol Team”
  • “Event Security Team – Gate A”

Each team only sees messages relevant to them.

👉 Want to learn how guards are tracked during shifts?
Check out the GPS Tracking Feature

3. Share Photos, Videos, Documents & Voice Notes

The Messenger supports multimedia for clearer reporting:

  • Incident photos
  • Video proof
  • Shift instructions
  • Voice updates
  • Documents or PDFs

This ensures nothing gets misunderstood.

4. Secure, Encrypted & Professional Communication

Unlike WhatsApp or personal chat platforms:

  • Messages are stored securely
  • Chats are tied to work accounts, not personal numbers
  • All conversations remain confidential
  • Compliance and accountability are built-in
    👉 Related Feature:
    Learn About the Reporting Module
    Perfect for incident reports, daily logs, and more.

5. Message Notifications & Instant Alerts

Guards receive:

  • Push notifications for new messages
  • Alerts for urgent updates
  • Instructions for upcoming tasks or emergencies

Supervisors can also send broadcast messages during critical situations.

6. Centralized Chat History for Accountability

Every message is logged with:

  • Time
  • Sender identity
  • Multimedia attachments

This is extremely helpful for:

  • Incident investigations
  • Shift handovers
  • Client transparency
  • Internal audits

This ensures all communication is traceable and professional.

👉 See how passdowns enhance shift transitions:
Visit the Passdown Logs Feature

🎯 Who Needs the Security Guard App Messenger?

This feature benefits a wide range of security operations:

✔ Security Guard Companies

Managing guards across multiple sites becomes easier with centralized communication.

✔ Corporate Security Teams

Large office buildings, hospitals, and campuses can keep guards connected 24/7.

✔ Event Security Firms

Instant messaging allows quick decisions during crowd management.

✔ Logistics, Warehousing & Manufacturing

Guards can report vehicle arrivals, departures, and security checks instantly.

✔ Residential Communities & Gated Societies

Supervisors and guards stay aligned on visitor alerts, incidents, and emergencies.

👉 To learn how companies assign guards to sites:
Explore the Sites & Post Assignments Feature

⚙️ How the Messenger Works (Step-by-Step Workflow)

Step 1: Manager Sets Up Teams & Assigns Guards

  • Guards join automatically based on site assignments
  • Supervisors gain admin control over groups

Step 2: Guards Exchange Real-Time Messages

They can:

  • Raise alerts
  • Ask questions
  • Send photos/videos of incidents
  • Receive instructions

Step 3: Managers Monitor Everything

From the dashboard, managers can:

  • View active chats
  • Respond to guards
  • Track communication history

Step 4: All Messages Are Logged for Accountability

This helps with:

  • Incident verification
  • Performance analysis
  • Client proof of work

👉 Learn how the Time Clock ensures accurate guard hours:
Visit the Time Clock Feature

🚀 Why Security Companies Trust This Communication System

1. Professional & Trackable Communication

No more using personal apps that mix work with private messages.

2. Better Guard Accountability

Every message is locked into your security management ecosystem.

3. Faster Incident Response

Supervisors act immediately based on real-time updates.

4. Enhanced Client Transparency

Clients appreciate organized communication records.

5. No More Miscommunication

Clear, time-stamped messages reduce mistakes during shifts.

👉 See how panic alerts improve emergency response:
Explore Panic Alert Feature

📌 Conclusion

The Security Guard App Messenger is more than a chat tool — it’s a powerful communication system crafted specifically for the security industry. By centralizing communication, improving response times, and adding accountability, it becomes an essential tool for any modern security team.

If your security operation wants to improve productivity, reduce confusion, and enhance client trust, the Messenger feature is a game changer.

 

Boost Security Team Efficiency with Time Clock

Managing a large security team comes with challenges — from ensuring guards arrive on time to verifying hours worked and managing payroll efficiently. The Security Guard Time Clock feature offered by Security Guard App is designed to solve all these problems through automation, real-time tracking, and transparency.

Why Every Security Company Needs a Digital Time Clock

Manual time tracking is outdated. Paper sheets, punch cards, or Excel logs are prone to human error and time theft. For security companies, where accountability is paramount, this can quickly become costly.

With a Time Clock App for Security Guards, you can:

  • Ensure accurate shift timing and real-time updates.
  • Eliminate buddy punching and false check-ins.
  • Automate payroll calculations.
  • Provide clients with verified attendance logs.
  • Improve guard productivity and compliance.

Key Benefits of Security Guard App’s Time Clock Feature

✅ One-Touch Clock-In/Out

Guards can clock in or out in just one tap using their smartphones, tablets, or desktops. No manual logs or paperwork needed — it’s fast, simple, and reliable.

🔗 Learn more about seamless guard tracking in Real-Time Guard Tracking.

✅ Real-Time Hour Tracking

The app automatically records each guard’s working hours and syncs it to your central dashboard. Managers can instantly see who’s on duty, who’s on break, and who’s running late.

✅ Custom Break Management

Customize break durations based on company policy or client requirements. The system tracks every break to ensure fair working conditions and accountability.

✅ Prevent Time Theft & Buddy Punching

GPS verification ensures guards clock in only when they’re physically on-site, reducing the risk of time fraud or unauthorized check-ins.

✅ Multi-Platform Access

Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, the Security Guard App time clock adapts to any device your guards use — ensuring smooth operations from the office or the field.

✅ Replace Spreadsheets with Centralized Logs

No more scattered spreadsheets or lost paper sheets. All time logs are stored in one secure dashboard — easy to review, export, and share with clients for transparency.

🔗 See how automation simplifies reporting in the Security Guard Reporting Feature.

🧩 Best Practices for Implementing the Time Clock Feature

Adopting a Security Guard Time Clock App is a major step toward improving accountability and streamlining payroll — but successful implementation requires more than just activating the feature.
Below are the seven proven best practices to ensure smooth deployment and maximum return on your investment.

1. Define Clear Shift Schedules and Site Assignments

Before rolling out the Time Clock App for Security Guards, clearly define your guards’ schedules and assign them to the correct sites within the system.

When every guard knows where and when they’re expected to clock in, it prevents confusion and overlapping shifts. Use the Scheduling Feature in Security Guard App to create structured rosters with precise start and end times.

2. Use Geofencing for Accurate Location-Based Clock-Ins

Integrating geofencing technology ensures guards can only clock in or out when they’re physically within the designated site boundary. This prevents buddy punching and false check-ins — two of the biggest challenges in security operations.

By setting up geofence perimeters through the Geofencing Feature, you guarantee that time logs are accurate, verifiable, and compliant with client requirements.

3. Train Supervisors and Guards Before Full Rollout

Even the most intuitive software benefits from quick onboarding. Conduct short, focused training sessions to help your guards and supervisors get comfortable with the Time Clock Feature.

Use simple demo videos, internal reels, or live sessions to show how to:

  • Clock in and out correctly.
  • Record and manage breaks.
  • Handle missed clock-ins or late entries.

Direct supervisors should also know how to review logs, approve corrections, and monitor attendance dashboards.

🔗 You can access training resources and step-by-step setup guides in the Support Center.

4. Communicate the Benefits Clearly

For any new system to succeed, your team must understand why it matters. Clearly explain the advantages of the Security Guard Time Clock App to both guards and clients:

  • Guards get accurate pay for actual hours worked.
  • Supervisors save time managing shifts and attendance.
  • Clients receive verified reports and improved transparency.

By communicating these benefits, you foster cooperation and eliminate resistance to new technology.

Internal Tip:
Create short WhatsApp updates or app notifications highlighting success stories — such as improved attendance rates or faster payroll processing.

5. Monitor Early Data and Identify Patterns

Once the time clock system goes live, monitor data closely during the first few weeks. Track:

  • Missed clock-ins or clock-outs.
  • Frequent late arrivals or early departures.
  • Excessive or unapproved breaks.
  • Time discrepancies between shifts.

Use the dashboard’s built-in analytics to identify patterns early and resolve them before they affect client satisfaction or payroll accuracy.

6. Integrate Time Clock Data with Payroll and Reporting

Connecting your guard time tracking software to your payroll or HR systems automates one of the most time-consuming processes — salary calculation.

Because the Security Guard App automatically logs every minute worked, you can generate precise payroll reports, verify overtime, and export timesheets with a single click.

Additionally, integrating the data into Guard Reporting ensures that clients receive consistent, verified information in their daily or weekly reports.

🌟 The Takeaway

Implementing the Security Guard Time Clock Feature is not just a tech upgrade — it’s a strategic move that transforms how your team manages time, attendance, and accountability.
By following these best practices, you’ll ensure that your rollout is seamless, your data is accurate, and your guards are more efficient than ever.

Ready to take control of your guard hours?
👉 Explore the Time Clock Feature today and experience real-time accuracy that builds client trust and operational efficiency.

Final Thoughts

A Security Guard Time Clock isn’t just about recording hours — it’s about boosting accountability, protecting your business from payroll disputes, and improving client trust.

With Security Guard App, you gain more than just a clock-in/out tool: you get a full-suite Security Operations Management system that simplifies scheduling, reporting, and guard tracking — all from one app.

Deliver Live Updates to Clients Through Your Security Guard App

In the modern security industry, clients expect more than just protection—they demand real-time visibility and communication. With the right security guard app, you can deliver live updates, guard tour reports, GPS tracking, and passdown logs directly to your clients, enhancing trust and operational transparency.

Invite Clients Into the System for Full Access

Start by inviting your client into the security guard mobile and web app. After being invited, clients can immediately view all essential site activity and updates in real time:

  • Live GPS tracking of their security patrol
  • Real-time incident reports
  • Post orders and passdown logs
  • Report history and tracking data
  • Multimedia files and detailed guard logs

This client-access feature of the client app builds confidence and improves service value.

Enable Real-Time Reporting for Your Team

Using the security guard app, your team can report directly from the field in real time. Say goodbye to slow updates, lost messages, and confusion:

  • Submit guard tour reports from mobile devices
  • Add photos, videos, and voice recordings instantly
  • Timestamp and geotag every activity
  • Deliver data directly to clients and supervisors

The result? Quicker decision-making, stronger supervision, and unmatched operational clarity.

GPS Tracking That Clients Can See

Live GPS tracking gives both supervisors and clients clear, up-to-the-minute location insights. The security guard mobile app allows you to:

  • Track guards in real time across multiple post sites
  • View past movements and tracking history
  • Give clients live map access through the app.
  • Increase accountability and safety

This GPS-enabled guard tour solution creates clarity, reduces client questions, and helps identify gaps in coverage.

Share Clear Post Orders with Clients

Help your security guard team perform better by creating detailed post orders that are visible to both guards and clients:

  • Add multimedia instructions and documents
  • Edit and update orders in real time
  • Ensure that guards follow site-specific protocols
  • Give clients peace of mind knowing expectations are met

With the security guard app, your post orders are always up to date and easy to follow.

Passdown Logs for Clear Client Visibility

Shift transitions are critical times. Let guards relay key information using digital passdown logs:

  • Communicate incidents or instructions between shifts
  • Attach photos and notes for clarity
  • Keep logs stored and accessible in-app
  • Share passdown information with clients as needed

This real-time logging keeps everyone on the same page—especially the client.

Keep Security Guard and Clients Connected

Effective communication is essential for delivering updates. The built-in messaging software allows your security teams to stay in constant contact:

  • Chat instantly within the guard app
  • Share updates, alerts, and reminders
  • Record conversations for accountability
  • Include clients in conversations where appropriate

A connected security guard team is a responsive team—and one that can keep clients informed around the clock.

Track Time and Boost Guard Accountability

Use the time clock app feature of the security guard mobile and web app to manage and report guard hours accurately:

  • Quick Check-In/Out on Android, iOS & Web
  • Real-time logs for supervisors and clients
  • Eliminate manual time sheets
  • Streamline payroll and performance tracking

Clients can see who’s on site and for how long, improving trust and reducing disputes.

Protect Guards, Notify Clients Instantly

Safety is a top priority. With built-in GPS, the panic button quietly notifies supervisors during emergencies:

  • Long-press activation to avoid false alarms
  • Immediate location updates to supervisors
  • Optional client notifications for critical events
  • Ideal for isolated post sites or after-hours patrols

Let clients know that their site—and your guards—are protected at all times.

Conclusion

Real-time client communication is no longer a luxury—it’s a standard. With a fully integrated security guard app, your business can offer live updates, clear communication, and complete visibility. Whether it’s tracking patrols, sharing guard tour reports, or managing incidents, this all-in-one guard tour solution empowers your security teams and builds lasting client trust.

Start delivering real-time updates with the security guard mobile and web app—and watch your client satisfaction rise.

Introducing Security Guard App 1.9 : Enhanced Guard Management At Your Fingertips

At the core of Security Guard App lies an unwavering commitment to uncompromised security for every business or organization. Which is why we have dedicated ourselves to creating cutting-edge management software solutions exclusively for the security industry. Recognizing the unique set of challenges faced by security personnel in today’s unpredictable world, our goal is to equip them with the tool to not only meet but exceed clients’ expectations. 

Embracing the philosophy that there is always room for improvement, we believe that our users’ feedback is integral to our evolution. And today marks a momentous stride in our journey towards innovation and excellence in the security guard industry. With Security Guard App 1.9, we introduce the latest updates in our security guard management app as a testament to our dedication, making security guard management seamless and efficient at the same time. So, with no further ado, let’s dive into what’s all new with Security Guard App : 

Auto-Email Reports For Efficiency In Communication : 

Empower administrators and super admins with seamless optimization in reporting. A simple email input and report selection unleash the potential of auto-email functionality, ensuring swift and effective reporting. Introducing a cutting-edge cloud function for instant approval status based emails, our system, considering user time zones , compiles weekly or daily reports into a consolidated Daily Activity Report (DAR) sent in a single email. This innovative feature enhances administrative control, ensuring crucial information reaches the right recipient at the right time, fostering a time-effective approach to security management. 

Customized Daily Activity Report For Enhanced Control :

The new update enables your admins to customize Daily Activity Reports (DARs) using an intuitive data scroller embedded in the title for seamless date adjustments. Take command by selectively choosing specific users – supervisors, admins and super admins- to view their activities, bringing precision to reports. Our latest update allows the convenient conversion of reports into PDF format directly from email activities, streamlining sharing and ensuring compatibility. 

Streamlined Report Management :

With our latest update, we have empowered admins with an efficient tool at their fingertips. By introducing the ability to delete reports and passdowns directly from the report detail screen, Security Guard App has revolutionized the administrative process with unmatched efficiency. This newly incorporated capability grants admins the flexibility and agility to curate a precise and up-to-date record of reports, fostering a more dynamic and responsive approach to security management. By simplifying the deletion process within the report detail screen, our updates not only enhance user autonomy but also contribute to a more streamlined and effective workflow for admins.

Inviting Team Members Made Effortless :

Embarking on a journey to redefine user experience, we have removed the check-in requirement for inviting team members, unveiling a seamlessly streamlined process. This enhancement not only simplifies onboarding but also accelerates team collaboration. Prioritizing user experience by eliminating the check-in process ensures a more fluid and efficient process for inviting team members. Meticulously designed to facilitate smooth interactions within the platform. 

Chat Module Deleted : 

In direct response to valuable user input, we have elevated our platform by strategically removing the chat module from both the Security Guard mobile app and web interface. This deliberate decision aims to refine overall user experience, streamlining the interface, sharpening the focus on other functionalities. 

Google Analytics Enabled :

With a new era of analytics, we’re delighted to integrate Google Analytics as a transformative update in the Security Guard App. This powerful enhancement not only amplifies the platform’s data capabilities but also offers users invaluable real-time insights into performance metrics. Which empowers admins and super admins with a comprehensive understanding of app utilization, enabling informed decision-making and strategic optimizations. 

Elevated Subscription Experience :

In our consistent commitment to user satisfaction, we’ve seamlessly addressed concerns to improve the subscription experience. Our latest update introduces Payment Methods for streamlined card additions and Payment Intent for effortless plan subscriptions. Moreover, the subscription status now synchronizes daily, ensuring hassle-free management and providing users with real-time insights into their subscription plan. This not only improves user convenience but also boosts overall reliability of our subscription system.

Uneditable Passdowns :

In a pivotal security enhancement, we’ve fortified the guard app by making the app by making Passdowns non-editable. This update ensures the integrity of DARs, check-ins and NFC tags, elevating the app’s reliability to newer heights. By restricting edits, we bolster accountability and safeguard the accuracy of crucial information, ultimately fortifying the security protocols for a more trustworthy user experience. 

Streamlining Seeking Assistance :

We’ve refined our “chat support” to “support”. For direct assistance, reach out to us at support@securityguardapp.com. This not only streamlines interactions but also embodies our commitment to making support more accessible and user-friendly. 

Refined Main Menu :

Embark on an enhanced Main Menu journey with seamlessly integrated accessibility, placing the time clock effortlessly within the dropdown menu. Revel in upgraded features where auto reports and passdowns take center stage, ensuring an intuitive and efficient user experience. This strategic move not only elevates navigation but also empowers users with swift access to essential tools, fostering productivity and convenience. 

Enhanced Data Management :

Elevate your command with the added capability to effortlessly delete automatic reports and passdowns directly from within the application. This enhancement not only grants users greater control but also streamlines the overall experience, offering a seamless and efficient way to manage information.  By providing the flexibility to delete auto reports and passdowns, users can tailor their data, ensuring only the most relevant and accurate information is retained. 

Conclusion 

Security Guard App is steadfast in delivering uncompromising security solutions tailored for businesses. Our cutting-edge management software, exemplified in Security Guard App 1.9, reflects our commitment to innovation. By valuing user feedback, we continuously evolve to to exceed expectations, making security guard management seamless and efficient.

How Guard Tour Systems Optimize Night Operations For Security Guards

We live in an era of consistent development, with technology leading in the forefront. However, the landscape of security threats is also evolving with time. Consequently, businesses and organizations have started to prioritize security of their sites and the safety of every individual involved more than ever before. While it can’t be denied that fortifying daily security operations is essential, ensuring that your night security operations maintain the highest standards of security becomes just as crucial. Fortunately, innovations have led technology to develop security guard management systems that integrate advanced features to provide streamlined communication channels for guards, enhance monitoring capabilities and ensure accountability and transparency, ultimately bolstering the effectiveness of security measures during nighttime hours.

Among these innovations, Security guard mobile apps such as Security Guard App not just simplifies daily operations but also ensures smooth night operations. In this blog article, we’ll figure out how guard tour systems like Security Guard App optimize night operations for security guards.

Streamlined Communication

One of the primary advantages of security guard management systems is their ability to facilitate seamless communication among security personnel. During night shifts, effective communication becomes even more critical due to reduced visibility and heightened risks. These systems leverage various communication channels, including mobile apps integrated with messenger, to ensure real-time connectivity among guards, supervisors and other stakeholders.

The Security guard App serves as the ideal solution to ensure effective coordination within the security team, particularly during the night shifts where communication becomes paramount. Its innovative platform empowers security guards to report incidents, request assistance and relay updates in real-time, enhancing their situational awareness and response agility.

Enhanced Monitoring Capabilities

Night operations pose distinctive challenges regarding surveillance and monitoring, with dim lighting visibility compromising traditional methods’ efficacy. Thus, conducting regular and meticulous patrols becomes essential to eliminate blind spots and preventive potential trouble.

Security guard management systems such as the Security Guard App facilitate comprehensive guard tours and offer live tracking capabilities via an integrated map interface. This empowers supervisors to monitor transparent and in real-time, fostering transparency and accountability within the security team.

Ensuring Accountability

Accountability is paramount in security operations, especially during night shifts when incidents may occur with less visibility and oversight. Security guard management systems play a significant role in ensuring accountability among guards and other personnel through various features such as online reporting, activity logs and incident tracking.

Security guard app’s online reporting functionalities enable guards to log their activities, patrol routes, and observations digitally, eliminating the need for cumbersome paper-based reporting systems. Supervisors can access these reports in real-time, allowing for continuous monitoring of guard activities and adherence to protocols. In the event of incidents or breaches, comprehensive incident tracking capabilities enable supervisors to conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence and take appropriate corrective actions.

Integration And Scalability

The goal of security guard management platforms should be to prioritize adaptability and enhance the existing security framework of the company, without causing unnecessary disruptions. Security Guard App’s easy to use system not just significantly cuts down on training costs but also ensures widespread adoption and efficiency.

Moreover, exemplifying this adaptability, the Security Guard App and similar systems offer scalability, empowering organizations to expand their security operations as necessary without substantial investments in additional infrastructure or manpower. Whether overseeing a single site or managing a multi-location enterprise, these systems provide the flexibility to scale resources and tailor solutions to changing security requirements, ensuring comprehensive coverage and protection, particularly during night operation.

 

Conclution

In conclusion, security management systems play a pivotal role in optimizing night operations by streamlining communication, enhancing monitoring capabilities, ensuring accountability, and offering integration and scalability. By leveraging advanced technologies and features, these systems empower security guards to effectively mitigate threats, respond to incidents, and maintain a safe and secure environment during nighttime hours. As businesses and organizations continue to prioritize security, investing in robust security guard management systems becomes imperative to safeguard assets, protect personnel, and uphold peace of mind.

Security Guard App’s interactive interface is tailor-made for night patrols and operations, providing an intuitive platform that not only maximizes visibility but also ensures consistently meeting optimal standards. With real-time monitoring and reporting functionalities, clients can rest assured, knowing that their safety is vigilantly maintained, granting them the peace of mind to sleep soundly throughout the night.

Why You Need Efficient Security Guard Monitoring System

If you manage a security guard company, you know it isn’t an easy task. From employee duty to timekeeping, there are several factors that can limit your capability to offer great services to your clients. Nowadays, however, you can ensure greater overall performance from your guards and better final results for your customer with an efficient security guard monitoring system. And there are many other ways a security guard management system can help you.

Guard Accountability

One of the most important benefits that a guard patrol monitoring system offers is that it significantly improves the responsiveness of your guards. Digital checkpoints, automated timekeeping, and GPS tracking ensure better performance and efficiency of your guards. This technology can even send notifications if a guard fails to check in inside the given time frame.

This accountability not only helps you keep your guards on track but also comforts your clients because they won’t have to keep a constant check on their guards. A security guard monitoring system will provide you with tough proof to assist your claims that your security guards offer reliable service. This will also make your customer accept the true efforts of your team and feel at peace.

Real-Time Reporting

This is a really useful technique, especially during the time of incidents or mishappenings. Instead of waiting for a long duration, the guards can instantly report a file by uploading photos or videos. They can also instantly inform about the situation through the radio.

This immediate communication will prevent any unnecessary delays and enable quick action to the situation. In many circumstances, this can turn out to be a life savior for your clients.

Safety First

Safety should always be your first concern, and the reporting and tracking features ensure just that for your guards and clients. Your employees will be much safer if reporting and reacting to emergency situations happen on time. Your brand image will also receive a positive impression if you ensure the safety of your employees and customers.

Report Management Capabilities

There are times when a supervisor has to manage and supervise a team of many members. And it is possible that their job location is remote to the manager. That is when having an efficient security guard management system will help you keep a check over all the employees from anywhere and anytime.

Data-driven Decisions

A monitoring system that is properly managed will also help you recognize the underperformers as well as the top performers of your enterprise. So, you will be able to make informed decisions when giving punishments and rewards as and when needed accordingly. It can help to improve your employee’s performance so much that you may start to see the reflection in the amount of your revenue.

Security Guard App is a security guard monitoring software that will help you provide office support, improve your guard’s performance, and create an efficient work environment that allows you to offer greater service to your clients.