As demand for security services rises, companies need better tools to manage teams and meet client expectations. Belfry’s security guard software helps with features such as automated billing and real-time tracking.

Read on to learn: 

• What security guard software is and why it’s vital in 2024
• Key software features to look for
• How Belfry leads the market in security guard software solutions

Let’s start with an overview.

What is security guard software and why does it matter?

Security guard software helps companies manage their workforce and operations through a centralized platform.

For example, you should be able to open the dashboard and see that shifts are filled, exactly where your guards are on-site, and that payroll has been processed. The best tools, like Belfry, offer you these important features in one place. 

Why is this security software so important in 2024? 

Here are a few reasons why security guard management software is a must-have:

• Larger teams and advanced operations: With rising concerns about safety and demand on the rise, security companies need to manage larger teams and more complex operations.
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• The need for real-time information: In emergencies, every second counts. Security guard software provides real-time data on guard location and activities, allowing for quick response times and better situational awareness.  
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• Growing client expectations: Clients want transparency and accountability from their security providers. Software solutions help deliver this by providing detailed reports, activity logs, and proof of service.  
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• Better communication: Clear and efficient communication is essential in the security industry. Security guard software facilitates direct communication between guards, supervisors, and clients.  

Key features to look for in security guard software

When you're shopping for the right solution, keep an eye out for these key functionalities:

• Automated scheduling: The best security guard scheduling software automates the scheduling process, making it easy to assign guards to shifts and manage time off. Look for features like shift reminders and real-time availability updates.
  
  
• Real-time GPS tracking: Security guard tracking software allows you to monitor guard locations in real time, confirming they're where they need to be. This improves safety while also helping optimize patrol routes and response times.
  
  
• Incident reporting and management: Look for software that allows guards to quickly and easily report incidents from their mobile devices, complete with photos and videos. The system should also allow you to manage and track incidents and generate reports.
  
  
• Communication tools: Choose software with built-in communication tools like instant messaging, group chat, and broadcast notifications to guarantee seamless information flow between guards, supervisors, and clients.
  
  
• Client portal access: Give your clients access to a dedicated portal where they can view reports, track guard activity, and communicate with your team. This reduces administrative burden and helps keep clients happy.
  
  
• Time and attendance tracking: Make sure your timekeeping is always on point with features like GPS-verified clock-in/clock-out, overtime tracking, and automated timesheet generation. This simplifies payroll processing and minimizes errors.
  
  
• Customizable reports: Choose software that allows you to generate custom reports on metrics like guard activity, incident trends, and client billing. This data can help you identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about your operations.
  
  
• Integrated payroll: Say goodbye to wasted hours spent using multiple systems to run payroll by choosing software with built-in payroll services. From ensuring tax compliance to next-day direct deposit, choose the software that meets all your needs — big and small.
  
  
• Benefits administration and ACA compliance: Eliminate the stress of manually tracking and updating benefit elections and automate ACA tracking. The right software simplifies the process and ensures accuracy to help you avoid hefty fines.
  
  

Why Belfry is the best security guard software in 2024

When it comes to finding the best solution, Belfry stands out from the crowd. Here's why:

It’s the all-in-one security guard software, including payroll

Belfry consolidates scheduling, reporting and guard tours, time and attendance, payroll and billing into one platform, reducing the complexity of managing separate tools. 

Some platforms may have integrations with external payroll providers, leaving your team to manage multiple applications and keep data in sync. Others might calculate net payroll amounts but leave the work to you to file payroll taxes and move money to employees and tax agencies.

Belfry offers one app for your employees to complete onboarding forms, view their pay stubs, and update withholdings whenever they want — in addition to viewing their schedules, clocking into shifts, and filing reports.

For the back office, Belfry payroll automatically handles net wage calculations, direct deposits to employees, and tax filings, ensuring compliance without added administrative burden.

A modern interface that's easy to use

Belfry’s web and mobile apps are designed for ease of use, minimizing the learning curve for your team. The mobile app lets officers clock in, report incidents, and conduct patrols, while the desktop interface provides back-office staff with easier navigation to manage operations. 

It also supports photos and detailed patrol logs so that guards can submit thorough reports directly from the app, boosting accountability and improving communication.

An easy-to-use app means fewer issues with officers clocking in and out on time and fewer manual timekeeping adjustments — which cause hours of extra work from the back office or lead to costly payroll errors. It also means more accurate, real-time reporting for your clients and your back office.

Reliable & real-time management

With Belfry, your team can manage schedules, track officer locations, and file incident reports in real time. 

Geofencing technology also ensures that officers are on-site before they can clock in, preventing location-based errors and providing supervisors with instant updates if an officer leaves their post.

Reliable support and resources

Belfry's commitment to customer support goes beyond just answering questions. We provide the resources and responsive service to ensure you get the most out of our software and can confidently tackle any challenges that come your way.

For instance, during the onboarding period, Belfry’s Implementation Managers deliver personalized training to the back office on how to use each piece of the platform - specifically in the context of each team’s workflows.

Customization to fit your needs

At Belfry, we understand that one size doesn't fit all. That's why we offer customization that can be tailored to your business’s specific requirements, ensuring a perfect fit for your security company.

For instance, you can create custom reports routed to specific points of contact (POCs) or set different compliance rules for officers based on their certifications, ensuring that each shift is filled with the right personnel.

With our comprehensive features, user-friendly design, and commitment to customer success, Belfry is truly the best security guard software for 2024 and beyond.

Why most security guard software falls short

While the market offers various security guard software options, many fall short of meeting the evolving needs of modern security companies. Here's a breakdown of the common pitfalls:

• Lack of features: Many solutions don’t include critical functions like payroll and scheduling. Without these key features, business owners are forced to juggle a variety of tools at the same time, which creates inefficiencies in their workflow.
  
  
• Clunky interfaces: A poorly designed user interface can hinder adoption rates among your team. If the software is difficult to navigate or understand, it can lead to frustration, resistance, and, ultimately, underutilization of the system's capabilities. It could also be costly - with increased training costs or more manual work for the back office to correct errors.
  
  
• Mobile limitations: Without tools to enable management on the go, you’re at a serious disadvantage. Security guard tracking software must offer robust mobile capabilities, enabling guards and managers to access real-time schedules, report incidents, and communicate seamlessly from their mobile devices.
  
  
• Lackluster support: Bad customer support and training can leave you feeling stranded. Many software providers struggle in this area, offering limited resources or slow response times, which can hamper your ability to implement and use the software.
  
  
• Data delays and inaccuracies: Delays in real-time data updates and reporting inaccuracies by most software can undermine your decision-making process. Solutions should provide up-to-the-minute details to ensure you have a clear understanding of your operations.
  
  
• Customization constraints: Every security company has unique requirements. Many software solutions offer limited customization options, making it difficult to tailor the system to your specific workflows, reporting needs, and operational complexities.

Benefits of using Belfry’s security software

Belfry offers a range of positives that go beyond streamlining operations. Here’s why security business owners choose Belfry:

• Reduces administrative burdens through automation: Belfry automates numerous administrative tasks, such as scheduling, operations, billing, and payroll, freeing up your time for more strategic tasks like spending time in front of your customers.
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• Enhances communication between guards and management: Belfry's built-in communication tools, including real-time updates, instant messaging, and in-app reporting, facilitate communication between guards, supervisors, and management.
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• Ensures accurate time tracking: Belfry's integrated payroll system accurately tracks guard time and automates payroll processing, minimizing errors and disputes.
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• Lowers costs by improving operational efficiency: Belfry optimizes operations and reduces manual processes, leading to cost savings through efficient scheduling and resource allocation. 
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• Integrated payroll saves time: Belfry’s built-in payroll module increases efficiency by offering everything you need to maintain compliance and seamless direct deposits for your employees.

Next steps: How to get started with Belfry

Ready to experience the Belfry difference? Here's how to get started:

• Explore the options: Belfry offers a range of features designed to fit the needs of different security companies. Reach out to our sales team to discuss your specific requirements and learn more about pricing.
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• Get a personalized walkthrough: Still on the fence about Belfry? Request a personalized demo to see the software in action and get a feel for our user-friendly interface and features.

Once you've chosen Belfry, our team will work with you to create a smooth implementation process, which typically includes these stages:

1. Set-up: Easily transfer your existing data into Belfry's system.
2. Training and support: Get comprehensive training for your team and ongoing support from Belfry's experts.
3. Launch: Roll out Belfry to your team and start improving your security operations.

With our extensive suite of features, intuitive design, and dedicated support, Belfry makes it easy to upgrade your security company's performance and efficiency. 

Contact us today to begin your journey with our all-in-one security guard software.