In the recent past, if you had to leave the UN Entebbe compound with your work laptop, you probably remember the old routine. Visit the SOC to get a stamped issue voucher, present voucher to the security personnel at the gate to verify the documents and your laptop details and hope everything matched up.

The Regional Field Technology Service (RFTS) with UNDSS in Entebbe has eliminated that challenge.

The Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) and the UNDSS rolled out a smart barcode reading system at exit points that instantly verifies your laptop at the gate. The system that started in June with a one-month pilot period is now fully operational. Simply scan your laptop barcode at the exit and the barcode of your laptop, your details including your photo will be displayed at the device for verification, making it faster and more efficient and eliminates the paper used previously.

“This is more than a technical upgrade, it is a cultural shift in how we manage and secure our assets,” said Sayed Deedar, Field Security Officer, RSCE. “We kindly request your full cooperation and patience as we transition to this user-friendly and innovative system”.

To make sure the rollout went smoothly, UNDSS-Entebbe hosted virtual training sessions where staff were shown how to register their laptops in the Field Support Suite (FSS), and a user manual was shared for those who couldn’t attend live.

One key tip from the training was to make sure staff enter their asset tag exactly as it appears on the laptop with spaces and dashes included. For example, “ML-10-24952212” is correct, but “24952212” alone will not grant access.

The system officially launched on 2 June 2025, with a one-month grace period where both the old and new methods were accepted.

As of July 2025, barcode scanning is the only way to clear one’s laptop at the exit point. In the next phase of the project, all visitors will be able to register their laptops electronically and have them cleared to exit as well.

“This new system is a win-win. It is not only an innovation in enhancing security measures aimed at protecting the organization's assets, but also contributes to saving time, reducing paper usage and lengthy processing, and offering a more efficient and secure process.” added Mr. Deedar.