Security Guard Tracking System Software: Three Key Technologies

By Ryan Rivera, Regional Sales Manager February 12, 2024 Categories:

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. Security guard companies and contractors require complete visibility of their workforces, and tracking software helps provide that transparency, along with other added benefits.

Security guard management 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 software, it’s important to know which technology is right for your business. Here are three of the most common tracking software programs 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 that security personnel are on-site in real-time, 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 mobile device 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 technology. An app for guards is able to listen to radio signals. Because those signals contain small amounts of information, security guard 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 the 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 precise location, and NFC is a specialized subset within the family of RFID technology. QR codes are a type of matrix or two-dimensional barcode that require a QR code scanner to determine location.

One major benefit of QR codes is that they are 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 team 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 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 daily activity reports that highlight time spent on-site
  • Improved quality of security service delivery and increased customer satisfaction
  • Automated emails and alerts that promote team communication
  • Faster response times to incidents have the potential to improve incident reporting
  • Reduced risks and hazards to guards on security 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 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 Management 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 management 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 the Lighthouse security guard management systems, schedule a meeting with a TEAM Software expert.