Security Guard Tracking Software: Three Key Technologies

Use security guard tracking software to increase the visibility and accountability of your guards.

Using security guard tracking software to keep track of your security guards is increasingly becoming standard practice, especially given the importance of accountability in the security industry. Contractors require complete visibility of their workforces and tracking software helps provide that transparency, along with other added benefits.

Security guard tracking software typically uses one or more methods to provide increased visibility, each bringing varied benefits. Once the software is installed, companies can solve different business challenges, such as ensuring patrols are completed each day, providing proof of service, improving response time for reported issues and eliminating inefficient processes.

To best take advantage of security guard tracking software, it’s important to know which technology is right for your business. Here are three of the most common tracking softwares used in the security industry and their benefits, along with details on how guard tracking technology can be used in conjunction with mobile workforce management software:

1. GPS and Geo-fences

GPS is a common method of tracking guard locations. With regards to installation, GPS is easy to implement –– no physical hardware needs to be deployed –– and geo-fences (a virtual GPS perimeter) can be quickly created around properties, buildings and other outdoor spaces that require monitoring.

For contract security companies, GPS is commonly used to:

• Confirm a guard is on-site and doing their job or in a vehicle completing their mobile patrols
• Protect against false claims, provide evidence if an incident occurred or confirm the presence of a guard if your client believes they weren’t there
• Improve safety and response times by knowing where guards are located during an emergency

GPS is an excellent solution if you only need to know that your guards are on site and don’t need indoor or multi-level tracking. But, if you’re looking for indoor or zone-based tracking capabilities, keep reading.

2. Bluetooth Beacons

Bluetooth beacons work by broadcasting unique identifiers using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, which is a power-friendly version of Bluetooth wireless tech. A smartphone application is able to listen for radio signals. Because those signals contain small amounts of information, mobile apps can determine proximity from the beacon, and then use this information to record every time they’re in the range of a beacon.

Security contractors commonly use Bluetooth beacons to:

• Confirm a guard is visiting a specific checkpoint or a sequence of them at a property
• Present specific content and checklists to guards based on their location
• Know where guards are spending their time in an indoor environment

Beacons can determine an accurate location of a guard without an active scan at a checkpoint, which makes them well suited for use in large multi-level facilities like airports, hospitals, shopping malls or universities. Companies can use the technology indoors and outdoors, because it functions without a satellite signal or wireless connection. For more information on Bluetooth beacons, access our guide: The Beginner’s Guide to Beacons.

3. RFID/NFC/QR codes

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and Near-field communication (NFC) tags use radio waves to determine location, and NFC is a specialized subset within the family of RFID technology. QR codes are a type of matrix or two-dimensional barcodes that require a QR code scanner to determine location.

One major benefit to QR codes is that it’s very low cost and easier to deploy and maintain — if you need a new QR code, you can simply generate and print one in a matter of minutes.

When delivering security services, RFID, NFC or QR codes are commonly used to:

• Identify the exact location of a guard on a hyper-granular level 
• Scan without an internet connection
• Quickly and easily implement a system at a low cost

Tags and codes are great options when you need a lower-cost solution that provides precise indoor or checkpoint tracking.

Lighthouse and security guard tracking software 

For security professionals considering security guard software, TEAM Software by WorkWave offers Lighthouse, which integrates with Bluetooth beacon technology, GPS and geo-fences,  and RFID/NFC/QR codes. With Lighthouse, companies have been able to effectively monitor their dispersed workers. Other benefits include:

• Accessing route data and reports that highlight time spent on-site
• Improved quality of service delivery with increased customer satisfaction
• Automated emails and alerts that promote team communication 
• Faster response times to incidents with the potential to improve incident reporting 
• Reduced risks and hazards to guards on patrol

A Canadian-based facilities management provider named Dexterra, which at the time employed over 650 people at their Toronto Pearson Airport site, implemented Lighthouse to address a variety of issues. For Dexterra, a big hurdle involved housing different systems. 

However, Lighthouse helped them with the ability to live-track service. It also gave them a resource to record all qualitative data-like issues, tasks and inspections so they could replace multiple tools with one. To keep reading about Dexterra, review this case study: Dexterra: Save 100 Hours of Resources Per Week.

Choosing the right security guard tracking software

The best security guard tracking software for you depends on the environment you’re working in and your goals. At times, it can even make sense to leverage multiple technologies across a single property like combining geo-fences and NFC tags. As you evaluate security guard tracking software, look for technology that meets your needs now and in the future.

Consider different details about the security officer tracking software. Whether or not it requires maintenance, cost-effectiveness and ease of engagement are important features. Also research mobile workforce management software, such as Lighthouse, to get the most out of your technology. For more information on Lighthouse, schedule a meeting with a TEAM Software expert.