Choosing Physical Security Software

Choosing physical security software is becoming more challenging, as technical innovations are advancing at a rapid pace to keep up with the increased demand for security services. Major news sources have reported that private security guards are replacing police in the United Kingdom.

Despite the increasing demand for security guards, the market share is considered low for the security services industry with top companies generating the majority of market revenue. This means that the level of competition is low overall, but is highest among smaller companies. 

To ensure profitability, companies can turn to physical security software, which is shaping how security professionals are preparing for the future of the industry. Companies considering physical security software should ask themselves these questions before selecting the right option:

• What is the size of your business?
• Do you have to monitor a large number of distributed workers at different locations?
• How does your job costing software interact with other technology? 
• Would your company benefit from integrating multiple systems?
• Do you have plans for strategic growth over the coming years?

Increasing visibility 

NFC tags and QR codes

While comparing physical security solutions to find the right tools for your business, consider near-field communication (NFC) tags and QR codes for increased visibility of your distributed workers. 

Similar to beacon technology, NFC tags use radio waves to determine location. It’s a specialised subset within the family of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. QR codes require a code scanner to determine location and generating a code only takes a matter of minutes.

Tags and codes offer a low-cost solution that provides the precise location of a guard while also tracking checkpoints. Both options can also scan without an internet connection and require little time to implement or regular maintenance. If used in conjunction with the right physical security software, automated reports and alerts are available to keep managers informed of incidents.

Beacon technology 

Many security contracts also use Bluetooth beacon technology to increase visibility to help manage distributed workers. With Bluetooth beacons, it is possible to confirm that guards are visiting a specific checkpoint or sequence of locations, as agreed upon within your contract.   

Bluetooth beacons use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to broadcast unique identifiers. This power-friendly version of Bluetooth wireless tech communicates information via radio signals to smartphone applications, and those apps can determine where the person carrying the smartphone is located in relation to the beacon. 

Beacon technology can provide a record of where your guards are located in the range of a beacon, which security contractors are using in both indoor and outdoor environments to better understand the specific locations of their guards, because it works without a satellite signal or wireless connection.

Another reason that industry professionals consider utilising beacon technology while choosing physical security software is the fact that it works well in larger facilities, such as airports, hospitals, shopping centres or universities. To access additional information on Bluetooth beacons, review the following resource: The Beginner’s Guide to Beacons.

Providing additional proof of service

While the demand for security guard services is on the rise, so are expectations from customers. Security contractors must provide high-level services and demonstrate that they met certain standards.

Choosing physical security software that provides real-time, streamlined data enables contractors to show evidence that routes were properly completed and guards remained on-site during their patrols within the timelines that were established in contractual agreements.

Physical security technology with location verification tools can provide hard evidence in the form of video and photos that guards can take on-site to help measure the status and quality of the work completed. Additionally, security guard software can offer automated features. 

Automatically sharing data with your customers improves their experience, because it keeps clients up to date with detailed information on what is happening on-site. Alternatively, if your business prefers to review its data prior to sharing information to customers, reports are available in one place in a concise format.

Adopting physical security software

Scheduling 

With a workforce management solution designed specifically for security companies, it is possible to have full visibility over compliance and the right tools to house qualifications and trigger alerts if these are due to expire. 

Physical security companies that choose a holistic solution can utilise self-scheduling tools to empower employees. These features can give employees more autonomy by allowing them the ability to claim open shifts. Additionally, guards can post shifts for others to claim or swap shifts with other workers. This integrated scheduling feature can save administrative professionals valuable time by eliminating the need for them to handle every individual schedule change.

Job costing 

Physical security guard software integrated with payroll and billing solutions can aid in client interactions, as your customers are likely interested in job costing. Job costing features provide insight into customer invoices as well as help determine whether or not a job is profitable in relation to their set budget.

For most companies, labour is generally a big expense. Being able to accurately track labour costs can help with optimally scheduling officers to shifts. Additionally, it is possible to keep tabs on direct labour costs to help ensure each contract is performing in line with a budget.

Increased communication 

Through tools that are configurable and comprehensive, communication messages can be targeted to groups or individuals based on location, employee role or other factors. 

On-site, an integrated workforce management solution can deploy automated questions or reminders to conduct daily check-ins with guards during shifts. For example, if a security guard misses a scheduled periodic check, operation centres are alerted. Then managers can receive a notification in the field, letting employers know that guards are safe or need additional support while performing their duties. 

Choosing between physical security solutions

Choosing physical security software involves taking different features into account, and involves understanding the modern tools that are available to help your business fulfill contractual obligations. An integrated workforce management software allows security contractors to get the most out of their physical security software. For more information, schedule a demo with one of our experts.