# Best Physical Security Software - Page 4 *By [Neya Kumaresan](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/neya-kumaresan)* Physical security software enables in-house security departments and third-party security companies to better manage their workforces by providing officer monitoring, real-time updates on incidents, and direct lines of communication to officers in the field. Physical security systems allow security guards to report incidents and feature both real-time GPS tracking and incident reporting. Companies use physical security software to monitor personnel, track performance, file reports, and receive real-time alerts on events happening in the field. Physical security solutions may also provide detailed reporting and analytics functions, depending on how comprehensive they are. Physical security software is similar to [field service management software](https://www.g2.com/categories/field-service-management), but includes features designed specifically for security guard management. Physical security software is used by security companies or in-house corporate security departments. Physical security software can be used as a standalone solution or in conjunction with other administrative, HR, and finance software to provide a full workforce management solution. To qualify for inclusion in the Physical Security category, a product must: - Offer real-time GPS tracking - Provide incident reporting functionality - Contain communication tools that facilitate manager to officer contact - Provide an activity log ## G2 Grid® for Physical Security Software ![G2 Grid® for Physical Security Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/physical-security/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=121478&focus%5B%5D=130793&focus%5B%5D=36446&focus%5B%5D=1283929&focus%5B%5D=127798&focus%5B%5D=1865718&focus%5B%5D=75455&focus%5B%5D=1424713) Highlighted products: Verkada, Kastle, Solink, Coram AI, Rhombus, Cisco Physical Security Solution, Alarm.com for Business, and Lumana. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/physical-security/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=verkada&focus%5B%5D=kastle&focus%5B%5D=solink&focus%5B%5D=coram-ai&focus%5B%5D=rhombus-systems&focus%5B%5D=cisco-physical-security-solution&focus%5B%5D=alarm-com-for-business&focus%5B%5D=lumana) ## How Many Physical Security Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 165 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.33/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: Cisco Physical Security Solution (+1.06%) - Among all products in this category, Cisco Physical Security Solution recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 24, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Physical Security Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 2,800+ Authentic Reviews - 165+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. --- **Sponsored** ### Genetec Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. Our unified Security Center platform brings together video, access control, ALPR, evidence management, and more, all in one intuitive experience. Organizations around the world rely on the powerful Genetec platform to secure their people and assets. Intelligent automations help them improve operational efficiency while respecting individual privacy. Our global network of technology partners means users are never locked into a single vendor, and the choice of an on-prem or cloud deployment — or a mix of both — means organizations can scale their security system with their changing needs. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, we serve more than 42,500 customers via our extensive network of accredited channel partners and consultants, located in more than 159 countries. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=paid_promo&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1246&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-07-25T08%3A45%3A19Z&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=1192912&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1246&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=llm_category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fphysical-security%3Fopen_modal_url%3D%252Fproducts%252Fbelfry%252Fwishlists%253Fhost_path%253D%25252Fcategories%25252Fphysical-security%2526source%253Dcategory&secure%5Btoken%5D=8f837e1ac944ab5e8210d399d34e55718702bf42f8a7577afa6c7dfa48c8e521&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.genetec.com%2Fproducts%2Funified-security%2Fsecurity-center&secure%5Burl_type%5D=paid_promos) --- ## What Are the Top-Rated Physical Security Software Products in 2026? ### 1. [Astute Access](https://www.g2.com/products/astute-access/reviews) Astute Access is a thought leader and pioneer of enterprise smart lock solutions. We empower organisations to access infrastructure and assets securely from a user's mobile phone. Our enterprise solutions combine the power of smart lock hardware and enterprise cloud software, enabling a robust and scalable solution to improve access control efficiency. **Who Is the Company Behind Astute Access?** - **Seller:** [Astute Access](https://www.g2.com/sellers/astute-access) - **HQ Location:** Auckland, NZ - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/astuteaccess (12 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 2. [Aves Security Management System](https://www.g2.com/products/aves-security-management-system/reviews) AVES is a security operations management system that replaces all paper-based reporting with a fully digital, real-time platform. It helps security teams log incidents, track guard activity, monitor compliance, manage shifts and generate audit-ready reports instantly. Everything is mobile-friendly, fast and structured so operations stay organised, accurate and fully traceable across sites. **Who Is the Company Behind Aves Security Management System?** - **Seller:** [Belenus Venture](https://www.g2.com/sellers/belenus-venture) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 3. [Bannerman](https://www.g2.com/products/bannerman/reviews) Bannerman brings software and technology to an age-old industry. Now everything you need is under one unified security platform. Managing security has never been easier. Manage your post orders See reports in real-time Centralized communications Automated billing **Who Is the Company Behind Bannerman?** - **Seller:** [Bannerman](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bannerman-0281f165-3ef7-4034-b496-cb4d21480164) - **Year Founded:** 2012 - **HQ Location:** San Francisco, US - **Twitter:** @getbannerman (935 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/bannerman (37 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 4. [Belfry](https://www.g2.com/products/belfry/reviews) Belfry is the leading all-in-one platform for security businesses. We’ve learned from our competitors’ mistakes to create a tool that helps vs. hinders. The result — you save time and reduce the stress associated with scheduling, timekeeping, operations, payroll, billing, and more. **Who Is the Company Behind Belfry?** - **Seller:** [Belfry](https://www.g2.com/sellers/belfry) - **HQ Location:** New York, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/belfrysoftware (29 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 5. [BluSKY](https://www.g2.com/products/blusky/reviews) BluSKY is the AI-native building operating system — a live intelligence platform that connects access control, video, elevators, visitors, devices, logbooks, and risk into one unified model. It doesn't just monitor your building. It understands it. Who belongs here. What changed. What's likely to happen next. What action should be taken. From Class A commercial real estate to enterprise campuses, BluBØX gives building owners, security directors, and property managers the intelligence to move from reactive to predictive — before problems become incidents, and before incidents become headlines. The building that understands itself. That's BluSKY. **Who Is the Company Behind BluSKY?** - **Seller:** [BluB0X Security](https://www.g2.com/sellers/blub0x-security) - **Year Founded:** 2013 - **HQ Location:** Andover, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/blub0x-security-inc- (25 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 6. [Bold Gemini](https://www.g2.com/products/bold-gemini/reviews) Bold Gemini is a physical security software that provides ease of use, and the widest range of functionality. It is used in commercial, corporate and in-house, local authority, retail, banking, hospital, and university monitoring control rooms. **Who Is the Company Behind Bold Gemini?** - **Seller:** [Bold Communications](https://www.g2.com/sellers/bold-communications) - **HQ Location:** London, GB - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/boldcomms/ (16 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 7. [BoxLock](https://www.g2.com/products/boxlock-boxlock/reviews) BoxLock is an Intelligent Access Control Platform that secures, monitors, and automates physical access to critical assets, tools, and infrastructure. Designed for construction, utilities, logistics, and industrial environments, BoxLock replaces traditional padlocks with rugged, cellular-connected smart locks that integrate seamlessly with your operational workflows. BoxLock Control, our cloud-based software, provides remote access management, audit trails, compliance automation, and real-time alerts. We enable organizations to lock anything, log everything, and automate access—transforming static processes into smart, secure, and scalable systems. Unlike traditional keys or clipboard logs, BoxLock uses barcodes, badges, or smartphone-based credentials to provide just-in-time, auditable access—while reducing labor costs, theft, and safety risks. Its fail-safe design, lockout/tagout (LOTO) automation, and multi-network connectivity (LTE-M, NB-IoT, Wi-Fi) make it ideal for remote, high-risk, or complex access control scenarios such as: - Utility-scale solar farms - Data center laydown yards - MRO high-value tools and parts - OSHA-compliant LOTO procedures - Industrial gate and perimeter security Whether you’re managing safety protocols on a 600-acre construction site or securing tools in a warehouse, BoxLock gives you full control over who accessed what, when, and where—in real time. **Who Is the Company Behind BoxLock?** - **Seller:** [BoxLock](https://www.g2.com/sellers/boxlock) - **Year Founded:** 2017 - **HQ Location:** Atlanta, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/getboxlock (13 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 8. [Calvis](https://www.g2.com/products/calvis/reviews) Calvis is an AI-powered security operations platform that helps businesses book vetted, licensed security guards in under 24 hours. The platform offers on-demand guard deployment, real-time shift tracking, AI-assisted incident reporting, and seamless guard payments — all from one dashboard. Available across 40+ US cities. **Who Is the Company Behind Calvis?** - **Seller:** [Calvis](https://www.g2.com/sellers/calvis) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/calvis-security/ (10 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 9. [collectiveQuartermaster](https://www.g2.com/products/collectivequartermaster/reviews) collectiveQuartermaster® is a software for law enforcement agencies to manage assets, assign equipment, track officer certification, and much more. **Who Is the Company Behind collectiveQuartermaster?** - **Seller:** [Collective Data](https://www.g2.com/sellers/collective-data-3190222e-530b-4907-a0d2-f7032b2edbfd) - **Year Founded:** 1997 - **HQ Location:** Cedar Rapids, US - **Twitter:** @CollectiveData (317 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/collective-data/ (37 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 10. [Command Center](https://www.g2.com/products/zendelity-command-center/reviews) Command Center Patrol is a mobile solution designed to automate the distribution and monitor the completion of the physical operating tasks and responsibilities that staff must complete on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. With Patrol, property owners and operators can be confident that the work required to reduce operating risk is complete and easily demonstrate due diligence as required. In today's risk driven economy operations must look at how they are managing their physical compliance against operating policies, procedures and standards. **Who Is the Company Behind Command Center?** - **Seller:** [Zendelity](https://www.g2.com/sellers/zendelity) - **Year Founded:** 2009 - **HQ Location:** Kanata, CA - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/zendelity (3 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 11. [Coredinate](https://www.g2.com/products/coredinate/reviews) Next Level Assistance - Online Guardian Control System, Maintenance Documentation **Who Is the Company Behind Coredinate?** - **Seller:** [COREDINATE](https://www.g2.com/sellers/coredinate) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Uffenheim, DE - **Twitter:** @COREDINATE (1,038 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/coredinate-gmbh (21 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 12. [CounterMeasures](https://www.g2.com/products/countermeasures/reviews) CounterMeasures is a web-based risk analysis software from Alion Science & Technology that automates physical/information security assessments and analysis. **Who Is the Company Behind CounterMeasures?** - **Seller:** [Alion Science and Technology](https://www.g2.com/sellers/alion-science-and-technology) - **Year Founded:** 2011 - **HQ Location:** Newport News, Virginia, United States - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearehii/ (7,611 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 13. [CredoID](https://www.g2.com/products/credoid/reviews) The open platform access control and security software **Who Is the Company Behind CredoID?** - **Seller:** [Midpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/sellers/midpoint-security) - **Year Founded:** 2001 - **HQ Location:** Vilnius, LT - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/midpoint-security/ (9 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 14. [Crimestar CAD](https://www.g2.com/products/crimestar-cad/reviews) Crimestar CAD is a Computer Aided Dispatch system that tracks information relating to police, fire, EMS and public works calls and activity. **Who Is the Company Behind Crimestar CAD?** - **Seller:** [Crimestar](https://www.g2.com/sellers/crimestar) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 15. [CSA360 Software](https://www.g2.com/products/csa360-software/reviews) CSA360 Software is a cost-efficient, all-in-one security guard management system. With 15+ modules, this software allows you to only pay for the features you need, keeping costs down while managing your security operations in one easy-to-use system. With enhanced features, including GPS verified tour confirmation, workforce management, and live dashboards, your team will implement more efficient processes and procedures to keep your clients and their visitors safe. **Who Is the Company Behind CSA360 Software?** - **Seller:** [CSA360 Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/csa360-software) - **Year Founded:** 2011 - **HQ Location:** Carmel, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/csa360software (7 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 16. [Dedicated Micros](https://www.g2.com/products/dedicated-micros/reviews) Dedicated Micros provides tailored secure IP video solutions. **Who Is the Company Behind Dedicated Micros?** - **Seller:** [NetVu](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netvu) - **HQ Location:** Northwich, GB - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/netvu-ltd/ (34 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 17. [Defendry Seesay](https://www.g2.com/products/defendry-seesay/reviews) Defendry SeeSay is a mobile application designed to enhance organizational security by enabling individuals to report potential threats directly to security personnel. This user-friendly app transforms any smartphone into a proactive security tool, facilitating swift communication and response during emerging threat situations. Key Features and Functionality: - Panic Button & Tip Reporting: Users can instantly send text alerts and video footage of potential threats to security staff, ensuring timely intervention. - Smartphone Integration: The app effectively turns a user's smartphone into a security camera, capturing and transmitting real-time information. - Secure Direct Messaging: Provides a confidential communication channel between users and security teams, maintaining privacy and efficiency. - Inclusive Security Participation: Empowers all individuals within an organization to actively contribute to the overall security framework. - Automated Crisis Response: When integrated with Defendry's IoTalk system, SeeSay can initiate automated responses to crises, streamlining threat management. Primary Value and Problem Solved: Defendry SeeSay addresses the critical need for rapid threat detection and communication within organizations. By enabling immediate reporting and direct interaction with security personnel, the app significantly reduces response times to potential threats. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also fosters a culture of collective responsibility, where every individual plays a role in maintaining a secure environment. The integration with automated response systems further ensures that threats are managed efficiently, minimizing potential harm and disruption. **Who Is the Company Behind Defendry Seesay?** - **Seller:** [Defendry](https://www.g2.com/sellers/defendry) - **HQ Location:** Scottsdale, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/defendry (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 18. [Detail Kommander](https://www.g2.com/products/detail-kommander/reviews) Detail Kommander eliminates the excess time you spend managing off-duty details so you can get back to your primary mission of protecting and serving your community. **Who Is the Company Behind Detail Kommander?** - **Seller:** [Kommander Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/kommander-software) - **Year Founded:** 2015 - **HQ Location:** Orlando, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/kommander-software/ (5 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 19. [DICE Central Station](https://www.g2.com/products/dice-central-station/reviews) DICE Central Station is built to reduce central station activity and data entry, providing a seamless interface for operators. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 7 **How Do G2 Users Rate DICE Central Station?** - **Ease of Use:** 7.1/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Quality of Support:** 7.1/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) **Who Is the Company Behind DICE Central Station?** - **Seller:** [DICE](https://www.g2.com/sellers/dice-53c92638-f438-43c7-92aa-99c0ae95d368) - **Year Founded:** 1985 - **HQ Location:** Bay City, US - **Twitter:** @DICECorp (1,510 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/dice-corporation/ (44 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 86% Mid-Market, 14% Small-Business #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of DICE Central Station? **"[Dice Central Station --- "Best place to keep our data safe"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dice-central-station-review-2070146)"** **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars *— shamroz s.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dice-central-station-review-2070146) --- **"[Large amounts of data at your fingertips!](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dice-central-station-review-3632562)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Carolina V.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/dice-central-station-review-3632562) --- #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About DICE Central Station? - [What is DICE Central Station used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-dice-central-station-used-for) ### 20. [Ednetics Physical Security](https://www.g2.com/products/ednetics-physical-security/reviews) Ednetics physical security solutions help increase the level of security and safety in organizations and are built to integrate, increasing their flexibility and features. Monitor entrances and high-risk areas with video surveillance. Authorize visitors and employ lockdown capability with access control. Broadcast alerts and notify authorities and first responders in emergency situations with emergency notification systems (ENS). Ednetics designs and implements physical security solutions with a deep understanding of customer environments and a commitment to best practices in technology and safety. **Who Is the Company Behind Ednetics Physical Security?** - **Seller:** [Ednetics](https://www.g2.com/sellers/ednetics) - **Year Founded:** 1997 - **HQ Location:** Post Falls, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/ednetics (116 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 21. [Envysion](https://www.g2.com/products/envysion/reviews) Capture, analyze, evaluate and measure your brand promise every day. Successful brands know the experience they want customers to have, the processes they want employees to follow, and the bottom line they expect to achieve. Envysion helps companies deliver on that formula. Our unique cloud-based video intelligence delivers real-time insights into all your locations—right at your fingertips—to ensure your team is consistently using best practices that delight customers and increases profitability at every possible opportunity. Envysion Insights gives you a window into every store so you can test, measure, and implement your formula for success. Combining operational, financial and employee metrics with our video and sophisticated analytics to deliver insights to decision-makers across the organization—integrating seamlessly with your IT infrastructure. Instant. Unfiltered. Actionable Video Intelligence Every Day. **Who Is the Company Behind Envysion?** - **Seller:** [Envysion](https://www.g2.com/sellers/envysion) - **Year Founded:** 2006 - **HQ Location:** Broomfield, Colorado, United States - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/envysion (145 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 22. [Eocortex VMS](https://www.g2.com/products/eocortex-vms/reviews) Eocortex is a professional security software for IP camera surveillance systems, intelligent video analytics modules, and network video recorders. **Who Is the Company Behind Eocortex VMS?** - **Seller:** [Eocortex](https://www.g2.com/sellers/eocortex) - **Year Founded:** 2008 - **HQ Location:** London, GB - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/11163345 (20 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 23. [ePortPass](https://www.g2.com/products/eportpass/reviews) ePortation is a leader in the field of real-time information logistics and builds and deploys real-time systems for managing challenging and complex environments. **Who Is the Company Behind ePortPass?** - **Seller:** [ePortation](https://www.g2.com/sellers/eportation) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 24. [EVALARM](https://www.g2.com/products/evalarm/reviews) Incident and emergency management SaaS platform. Alert stakeholders, manage evacuations and visitors, connect to fire panels and building management systems or document patrol rounds. EVALARM offers a 360 degree solution for your emergency and crisis managment needs. **Who Is the Company Behind EVALARM?** - **Seller:** [GroupKom GmbH](https://www.g2.com/sellers/groupkom-gmbh) - **Year Founded:** 2014 - **HQ Location:** Berlin, DE - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://de.linkedin.com/company/groupkom (9 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 25. [Everbridge Control Center](https://www.g2.com/products/everbridge-control-center/reviews) Everbridge Control Center is a Physical Security Information Management (PSIM solution that integrates disparate safety and security systems into a unified platform, providing organizations with comprehensive situational awareness and operational control. By consolidating data from various sources, it enables real-time monitoring, automated decision-making, and efficient incident response, ensuring the safety of personnel and the continuity of operations. Key Features and Functionality: - Real-Time Situational Awareness: Offers a common operating picture by integrating data from multiple safety and security systems, allowing for centralized monitoring and control. - Automated Risk Reduction: Implements automated workflows and compliance procedures to ensure consistent responses to incidents, minimizing human error and enhancing security posture. - Accelerated Response Times: Utilizes automated performance reporting and real-time dashboards tailored to organizational needs, facilitating quick decision-making and effective incident management. - Flexible Integration Capabilities: Features an open security integration platform with a library of over 250 connectors, enabling seamless integration of various systems, devices, and sensors without the need for extensive system overhauls. - Streamlined Stakeholder Communication: Includes an orchestration engine that correlates events and enhances communication among stakeholders, reducing information overload and improving response coordination. Primary Value and Problem Solved: Everbridge Control Center addresses the complexity of managing multiple safety and security systems by providing a centralized platform that enhances situational awareness, automates risk management processes, and streamlines communication. This integration reduces operational costs, minimizes human error, and ensures a consistent and rapid response to incidents, thereby safeguarding personnel and assets while maintaining business continuity. **Who Is the Company Behind Everbridge Control Center?** - **Seller:** [Everbridge](https://www.g2.com/sellers/everbridge) - **Year Founded:** 2002 - **HQ Location:** Vienna, VA - **Twitter:** @Everbridge (4,786 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/33883 (1,609 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Phone:** +1.888.366.4911 ## What Is Physical Security Software? [Vertical Industry Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/vertical-industry) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Physical Security Software? - [Visitor Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/visitor-management) - [Video Surveillance Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/video-surveillance) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Physical Security Software? ### What You Should Know About Physical Security Software ### What is Physical Security Software? Physical security software tools connect the disparate systems and functions that handle security and surveillance. These platforms go by several names depending on their use case, most commonly corporate security software or physical security information management (PSIM). Some common components of physical security include intrusion alarms, CCTV, building management and lighting control systems, suppression systems, motion detectors, RFID tags, GIS maps, computer-aided dispatch, and access control systems (such as ID keycards). Physical security solutions serve a wide range of government sectors and industries that are concerned with ensuring employee and visitor safety and maintaining a secure space, from small businesses that manage security personnel to enterprise companies that have multi-layer security systems to monitor employees and facilities. Security departments and third-party security companies also utilize these tools to manage operational tasks such as guard scheduling, dispatch, and daily reporting. By connecting surveillance hardware with information systems, these platforms offer increased control over incident management, threat awareness, dispatch communications, and activity reporting. Physical security systems are highly adaptable, and help identify and resolve any potential threats proactively before they escalate. By aggregating data from multiple sources, these platforms automate a number of monitoring and alerting tasks that are vulnerable to human error. Not all physical security solutions offer total integration with disparate products; notably, some may lack the ability to connect multiple safety and surveillance systems at a data level. The most complete physical security software products have six key capabilities: - **Collection:** Independent device management software collects data from disparate security devices and systems - **Analysis:** The security platform analyzes all collected data, activities, and alarms to identify real-time priority for addressing threats or incidents - **Verification:** The system operator receives information about relevant situations in a fast, digestible format to verify threats - **Resolution:** The system operator receives instructions depending on the type of threat, and those instructions are informed by the organization’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) to resolve the situation - **Reporting:** The security platform tracks all relevant information for compliance reporting, future improvements, and any necessary investigative analysis - **Audit trail:** The security platform tracks all interactions with the system, notably response times and any system changes made by each individual operator Key Benefits of Physical Security Software - Protect an organization’s assets and facilities from threats - Expedite security personnel mobilization and dispatch - Centralize surveillance hardware into one viewing hub - Improve incident management and threat response procedures ### Why Use Physical Security Software? Any organization or business that has personnel and assets to protect should use some type of physical security solution. These systems minimize or entirely prevent any damage as a result of intruders, environmental threats, or related hazards, and assist businesses in monitoring employees for inappropriate conduct. Businesses should have some basic physical security system in place to minimize their liability in the event that harm comes to their employees. This becomes even more imperative for businesses and organizations that are open to public visitors, such as museums, hospitals, zoos, malls, or school campuses. Particularly, enterprise businesses have been under scrutiny for their resistance to adopt new technology that could enhance the efficacy of their security departments. Physical barriers and guard officers no longer offer enough peace of mind to protect large organizations from breaches that can lead to extreme loss and harm. Additionally, physical security breaches often translate into figurative harm to an organization’s image and reputation, weakening public trust and leading to potential loss in revenue. There are simply too many components for security operations to manage without a dedicated system. Physical security solutions allow users to gain a comprehensive view of their facilities, increasing surveillance intelligence and improving incident response and threat detection. Security camera footage can be viewed from a central hub, allowing operators to identify potential situations and dispatch personnel to de-escalate. Security departments can manage guard scheduling and dispatching with ease to ensure total coverage. These tools enhance situational awareness, often visualizing security personnel locations, confirmed incidents, and alarm notifications. Businesses can configure these tools to monitor employee actions such as internet browsing history or [email](https://www.g2.com/categories/email) communications. As an added benefit, these tools increase data security indirectly by ensuring the safety of hardware assets that house an organization’s sensitive data. Overall, physical security software allows organizations of all kinds to improve their safety and security processes and ensure the protection of all personnel and assets. ### Who Uses Physical Security Software? While any organization stands to benefit from physical security solutions, there are certain entities that face more pressure to manage their security operations effectively. **Government —** Government agencies, perhaps more than any other entity, must protect highly classified information and maintain strict security clearance protocols. From smaller local facilities like the DMV to large government campuses like the White House or the Pentagon, physical security solutions ensure the safety of high ranking government officials as well as all collected citizen data. Transportation agencies also utilize these tools to monitor passengers for fare dodging, violent behavior, and other incidents that require law enforcement response. **Educational institutions —** K-12 schools and college campuses need physical security solutions to manage access control systems and security personnel, ensuring all guests are accounted for and no intruders compromise the safety of students and staff. Additional integrated tools like metal detectors, intruder alarms, student ID cards add additional layers of preventative security. For college campuses, dedicated security departments use these tools to ensure campus-wide guard coverage and quick dispatch to respond to threats. Additionally, system operators can send out emergency notifications to students’ cell phones for campus-wide threat alerts. **Museums —** Cultural institutions and zoos host hundreds of visitors daily. Physical security systems help coordinate security personnel placement and communications, track all incoming and outgoing visitors, and ensure the safety of visitors and collections. Motion sensors and alarms help museums protect their collections from theft or damage, such as visitors leaning in too closely to paintings. More elaborate systems can remotely lock doors to certain wings, ensuring thieves cannot escape. **Healthcare —** Hospitals need to ensure the safety of staff and patients, as well as securing all their patient health records. These tools provide total surveillance of medical facilities, help stationed security personnel communicate and mobilize as needed, and verify the identity of all hospital visitors. Similar to government agencies, hospitals need to manage personnel clearance for restricted areas, and physical security solutions help operationalize surveillance cameras, ID cards, motion sensors, and intruder alarms to keep uncleared staff out. Additionally, patients can be easily monitored for emergencies that require medical or law enforcement dispatch. **Retail —** Retail outlets and malls must monitor visitors and ensure their safety, while also protecting physical property and merchandise from damage or theft. Integrated tools like metal detectors, RFID tags, and surveillance cameras offer layers of theft prevention for stores. Security operators can monitor all facility activity from a centralized interface, often a full-scale video wall to track all camera footage in key areas, and dispatch personnel as needed. **Third-party security companies—** Contracted security personnel for businesses or events rely on physical security solutions to schedule personnel, monitor their location, and manage any identified incidents. In this function, these tools offer administrative support more so than security, ensuring security providers are fully prepared to offer contracted services. ### Physical Security Software Features Physical security platforms vary in their functionality, given that they are often middleware solutions that connect disparate systems and solutions. Middleware software essentially acts as a glue between multiple unconnected software applications, allowing these applications to communicate and share information with each other. The full range of features depends on the user persona and the integrated products, but generally a base solution offers some or all of the following features. **Access control —** Access control maintains facility security by controlling who can enter or exit any specific area. Users are given preset access permissions and must use some method to verify their identity, such as a key card, a code, or [biometric authentication](https://www.g2.com/categories/biometric-authentication). Digital access control can also be established to secure sensitive computer data. **Incident reporting —** Incident logs and reports can be completed with preset or custom templates to document ongoing and resolved incidents that security personnel are addressing. These reports may include details such as timestamps, GPS location, facility site locations, and images. **Computer-aided dispatch —** Computer-aided dispatch drastically reduces the time it takes to mobilize security personnel to a specific location for a reported threat or incident. Operators can communicate with law enforcement officers, track vehicle and emergency locations with GIS mapping, and document any notes from officers or the person who reported the incident. **Security personnel management—** Security personnel management ensures guards are scheduled properly, can receive and send communications, and that their locations are monitored by the system operator. **Mass notifications —** Mass notifications allow the system operator to send out text or intercom announcements when threats escalate and all individuals in the building need to prepare for evacuation or lockdown. This could also apply to fire alarms or similar environmental threats. Additionally, many of these alarms are often automated and do not require an operator to trigger. **Video surveillance —** Video surveillance footage from installed cameras is managed from a central interface. System operators can manipulate specific feeds to zoom, rewind, or stop footage, or they can transmit footage to appropriate security personnel. **Visitor management —** Visitor management functions may include mobile kiosks for signing in and signing out, printing photo badges for visitors, and tracking total number of visitors over time. These solutions may also integrate with [parking management solutions](https://www.g2.com/categories/parking-management) to track license plates and verify visitor identity. **GIS mapping —** GIS mapping allows system operators to visualize the entire facility and quickly see marked locations for stationed personnel, specific individuals, or reported incidents. For dispatchers, these maps can show vehicle location. **SOP management —** Standard operating procedures (SOPs) can be configured to each business's unique protocols, and these will be displayed in the system so staff can respond accordingly to specific incidents. **Analytics reporting —** Analytics reporting allows system users to pull specific data reports for previous incidents, response rates, or personnel logs. Reports can highlight areas for improvement, such as time spent between threat identification and security dispatch, or provide insight into how many threats were prevented as a result of the physical security system. ### Trends Related to Physical Security Software [**Artificial intelligence software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/artificial-intelligence) **—** Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing feature in physical security solutions, with popular examples including facial recognition, motion sensors, and cameras powered by machine learning to detect specific objects or vehicle models. This could help organizations keep out specific individuals who have been security threats in the past, provide another access control option for employees, and detect potential threats much sooner than the human eye. AI stands to automate and speed up many critical functions that could save precious time for security personnel working to isolate threats before they escalate, but there are also risks related to algorithmic bias and privacy compliance violations. Additionally, some ambiguous incidents require deductive reasoning that only humans can provide. ### Potential Issues with Physical Security Software **Human error —** While physical security software offers organizations features to improve safety and security procedures, they are only as useful as the security personnel utilizing them. The system may detect threats, but if security guards are slow to respond to an alert, harm can still come to an individual or the property--even with automated alerts, alarms, and access control in place. **Interoperability —** Physical security platforms are only as capable as the number of manufacturer integrations they allow. There are open industry standards within physical security, such as the physical security interoperability alliance (PSIA) or ONVIF (open network video interface forum), that are concerned with improving interoperability of IP-enabled security devices (such as video surveillance hardware). PSIM tools often utilize open technologies that are compatible with a wide range of physical security manufacturers, in contrast to more simplistic security software tools. When facing limited manufacturer integration options, businesses sometimes sacrifice functionality from their physical security platform. ### Software and Services Related to Physical Security Software [**Emergency management software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/emergency-management) **—** Emergency management tools help businesses plan for specific incidents or emergency scenarios that could threaten individual safety. They create action plans, manage mass notifications, and allow for retrospective analysis of emergency response. Businesses can utilize these tools to revise their continuity plans and incorporate post-crisis feedback into future emergency responses. [**Visitor management software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/visitor-management) **—** Visitor management software electronically manages visitor location and information for any business that allows guests into their space. Most physical security solutions incorporate visitor management functionality, but these standalone solutions are usually utilized by front desk receptionists or security guards to keep track of incoming and outgoing visitors. These tools can be used on a computer or as a self-operating kiosk. [**Emergency notification solutions**](https://www.g2.com/categories/emergency-notification) **—** Emergency notification tools are essentially simplistic forms of emergency management software, focusing solely on two-way communications and mobilizing incident response teams. These tools push out alerts and mass texts to all relevant individuals, allow information to be shared back and forth, and often allow GIS maps and documents to be transmitted. [**Security information and event management (SIEM) software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/security-information-and-event-management-siem) **—** SIEM tools help IT teams detect anomalies within any given network, such as malware or unauthorized users. Whereas physical security tools manage facilities and bodily safety, SIEM solutions are concerned with cybersecurity and ensuring an organization’s data networks are secure and that access control is maintained, while centralizing IT security operations in one interface.