# Best Physical Security Software - Page 7 *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=75455&focus%5B%5D=1424713&focus%5B%5D=75945) Highlighted products: Verkada, Kastle, Solink, Coram AI, Rhombus, Alarm.com for Business, Lumana, and Brivo. 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=alarm-com-for-business&focus%5B%5D=lumana&focus%5B%5D=brivo) ## How Many Physical Security Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 165 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.34/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: Lumana (+0.66%) - Among all products in this category, Lumana recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 17, 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. ## Which Physical Security Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [Verkada](https://www.g2.com/products/verkada/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Coram AI](https://www.g2.com/products/coram-ai/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Coram AI](https://www.g2.com/products/coram-ai/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Rhombus](https://www.g2.com/products/rhombus-systems/reviews) --- **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=2026-07-19T02%3A14%3A43Z&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=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fphysical-security&secure%5Btoken%5D=213afa80ed4dfbc4ef843aabde5f53fa4a67a7dd029fce858adb5af77dbd1b2c&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. [Smart CAD](https://www.g2.com/products/smart-cad/reviews) Smart CAD is an intuitive solution for rapid unit dispatching and incident management trusted by public safety units and emergency services in over 50 countries. **Average Rating:** 5.0/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 37 **How Do G2 Users Rate Smart CAD?** - **Ease of Use:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Quality of Support:** 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Smart CAD?** - **Seller:** [GINA Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/gina-software) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Brno, CZ - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/gina-software (41 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Public Safety, Government Relations - **Company Size:** 65% Mid-Market, 27% Enterprise #### What Are Smart CAD's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (31 reviews) - Features (21 reviews) - Reliability (21 reviews) - Speed (21 reviews) - Emergency Services (20 reviews) **Cons:** - Limited Functionality (8 reviews) - Inefficiency (6 reviews) - Slow Performance (5 reviews) - Complexity (4 reviews) - Limitations (4 reviews) ### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Smart CAD? *AI-generated summary from verified user reviews* **Pros:** - Users value the **ease of use** of Smart CAD, enhancing efficiency during critical emergency response situations. - Users highlight the **real-time coordination** capabilities of Smart CAD, enhancing response efficiency during emergencies. - Users highly value the **reliable coordination** capabilities of Smart CAD, enhancing emergency response efficiency and teamwork. - Users commend the **speed of response** provided by GINA software, enhancing coordination and crisis management effectively. - Users value the **efficient emergency response** capabilities of Smart CAD, enhancing coordination and real-time information sharing. **Cons:** - Users face challenges with **limited functionality** , needing support for basic vehicle switching and slow improvement processes. - Users often face **inefficiencies** with Smart CAD, experiencing slowdowns on older devices and delayed improvements. - Users experience **slow performance** with Smart CAD, especially on older devices or when managing multiple tasks. - Users find the **complexity of features** in Smart CAD overwhelming, requiring training for effective use. - Users find the **limited features** of Smart CAD can restrict functionality and usability, especially on damaged devices. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Smart CAD? **"[Benefits of the GINA SmartCAD System for Efficient Management of the Dispatch Center](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/smart-cad-review-12087683)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Jana L.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/smart-cad-review-12087683) --- **"[Revolutionizing Emergency Response with Real-Time Coordination](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/smart-cad-review-12083459)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— David D.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/smart-cad-review-12083459) --- ### 2. [SME Complete](https://www.g2.com/products/sme-complete/reviews) Service Management Enterprise software was designed with the service organization in mind, working with accounting, or at the warehouse, order entry or in the field, rest assured that SME is easy to use and can be configured to fit any business. **Who Is the Company Behind SME Complete?** - **Seller:** [High 5 Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/high-5-software) - **HQ Location:** Houston, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/selltis-llc/about/ (10 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 3. [SoftPatrol](https://www.g2.com/products/softpatrol/reviews) SoftPatrol is a cloud-based security workforce management platform designed specifically for security companies, contract guarding providers, mobile patrol operators and organizations that manage security personnel across multiple locations. The platform provides an all-in-one solution for scheduling, monitoring, compliance, reporting and workforce management, helping security teams improve operational efficiency and service delivery. SoftPatrol enables businesses to manage guard scheduling, workforce deployment and shift planning from a centralized dashboard. Security managers can assign guards to sites, monitor attendance, track activities and maintain full visibility of operations in real time. The platform also includes GPS tracking and patrol verification tools, allowing organizations to confirm guard presence, monitor patrol routes and improve accountability across client sites. Incident reporting and compliance management features help security teams record events, maintain accurate records and meet operational requirements. SoftPatrol supports digital reporting, audit trails and documentation processes, making it easier to manage security operations while reducing administrative workload. The platform also provides workforce management tools for timesheets, payroll support and operational reporting, helping organizations streamline day-to-day processes. With web and mobile applications for managers, supervisors and guards, SoftPatrol keeps teams connected in the field and in the office. Real-time updates, automated workflows and centralized data management help security companies improve communication, increase productivity and maintain service standards across multiple sites and contracts. Whether managing mobile patrols, static guarding services, event security teams, corporate security operations or multi-site security contracts, SoftPatrol provides the tools needed to simplify workforce management, enhance visibility and support scalable business growth. **Who Is the Company Behind SoftPatrol?** - **Seller:** [SoftPatrol](https://www.g2.com/sellers/softpatrol) - **Year Founded:** 2015 - **HQ Location:** Dubai - UAE, AE - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/soft-patrols (3 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 4. [SoleraTec Phoenix RSM](https://www.g2.com/products/soleratec-phoenix-rsm/reviews) Create a robust surveillance video management system (vms) with pick-and-choose components, configurable storage options, and digital video management. **Who Is the Company Behind SoleraTec Phoenix RSM?** - **Seller:** [SoleraTec](https://www.g2.com/sellers/soleratec) - **HQ Location:** N/A - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/No-Linkedin-Presence-Added-Intentionally-By-DataOps (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 5. [SOVA guard tour system](https://www.g2.com/products/sova-guard-tour-system/reviews) SOVA provides a comprehensive suite of software tools to the security industry including guard tour, visitor management, lost and found and asset tracking. **Who Is the Company Behind SOVA guard tour system?** - **Seller:** [SOVA Systems](https://www.g2.com/sellers/sova-systems) - **Year Founded:** 2013 - **HQ Location:** San Diego, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/sova-systems (1 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 6. [Speco Technologies](https://www.g2.com/products/speco-technologies/reviews) Speco Technologies is committed to improving surveillance, access control, and audio technology through innovation, exceptional customer service, and high-quality products. Our mission is to contribute to a safer and more secure world by surpassing expectations and setting new standards in the industry. **Who Is the Company Behind Speco Technologies?** - **Seller:** [Speco Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/speco-technologies-0ceffb63-d845-4fd2-8777-7c8840e84d1a) - **HQ Location:** Amityville, NY - **Twitter:** @SpecoOfficial (1,613 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/speco-technologies/ ### 7. [StorLogix Control Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/storlogix-control-cloud/reviews) A fully integrated PTI self storage access control system creates a convenient tenant experience while ensuring your facility is always secure. **Who Is the Company Behind StorLogix Control Cloud?** - **Seller:** [PTI SECURITY SYSTEMS](https://www.g2.com/sellers/pti-security-systems) - **Year Founded:** 1979 - **HQ Location:** Kennesaw, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/pti-security-systems (55 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 8. [Surveillint](https://www.g2.com/products/surveillint/reviews) Proximex Surveillint is a power Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) solution providing integration to video, access control , intrusion, fire and other systems into one common interface. **Who Is the Company Behind Surveillint?** - **Seller:** [Proximex](https://www.g2.com/sellers/proximex) - **Year Founded:** 2004 - **HQ Location:** San Jose, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/proximex (7 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 9. [Synergistics Banking](https://www.g2.com/products/synergistics-banking/reviews) Synergistics Banking provides comprehensive security solutions like ATM vestibule access control, bank branch entry solutions, and anti-skimming technology, all designed to protect facilities and ensure compliance. **Who Is the Company Behind Synergistics Banking?** - **Seller:** [Synergistics Banking](https://www.g2.com/sellers/synergistics-banking) - **Year Founded:** 1960 - **HQ Location:** Natick, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-group-inc. (18 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 10. [Tactical AVL](https://www.g2.com/products/tactical-avl/reviews) Tactical AVL is a modern unit coordination platform that provides officers in charge with maximum situational awareness for effective incident response. Enabling swift decision-making, synchronizing response efforts, and handling emergencies with confidence, it is trusted by disaster response units, law enforcement agencies, and private security forces in over 50 countries. Benefit from a comprehensive set of features including location tracking, geofencing, sensor alerting, integrated data and video feeds, field reporting, and many more. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 2 **How Do G2 Users Rate Tactical AVL?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Tactical AVL?** - **Seller:** [GINA Software](https://www.g2.com/sellers/gina-software) - **Year Founded:** 2010 - **HQ Location:** Brno, CZ - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/gina-software (41 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Company Size:** 50% Enterprise, 50% Small-Business #### What Are Tactical AVL's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Data Accuracy (1 reviews) - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Easy Learning (1 reviews) - Features (1 reviews) - Location Services (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Difficult Setup (1 reviews) - Learning Curve (1 reviews) ### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Tactical AVL? *AI-generated summary from verified user reviews* **Pros:** - Users value the **accurate real-time tracking** of Tactical AVL, enhancing asset and unit monitoring during operations. - Users commend the **user-friendly interface** of Tactical AVL, enhancing situational awareness and facilitating quick response times. - Users appreciate the **easy learning curve** of Tactical AVL, enabling quick mastery of its features for effective tracking. - Users value the **accurate real-time tracking** in Tactical AVL, enhancing monitoring and operational efficiency. - Users value the **accurate real-time tracking** of Tactical AVL, enhancing operational efficiency and situational awareness. **Cons:** - Users find the **difficult setup** of Tactical AVL time-consuming, though the performance is ultimately reliable and efficient. - Users find the **learning curve challenging** , as initial setup can be time-consuming before enjoying Tactical AVL's benefits. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Tactical AVL? **"[Reliable Solution for Real-Time Asset Tracking](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tactical-avl-review-10516958)"** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars *— Richard S.* [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/tactical-avl-review-10516958) --- ### 11. [TagtronicsPatrol](https://www.g2.com/products/tagtronicspatrol/reviews) TagtronicsPatrol portfolio of products are integrated into our user-friendly security guard software package which was developed with the help of several security companies to aid the busy day-to-day administration of the ever growing security market. **Who Is the Company Behind TagtronicsPatrol?** - **Seller:** [Tagtronics](https://www.g2.com/sellers/tagtronics) - **Year Founded:** 1990 - **HQ Location:** Darwen, GB - **LinkedIn® Page:** http://www.linkedin.com/company/tagtronics-ltd (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 12. [ThirdEye](https://www.g2.com/products/thirdeye/reviews) ThirdEye is a state-of-the-art computer vision company, founded in London in 2016. We're a young, well-funded team from different professional and educational backgrounds sharing a passion for retail and tech. **Who Is the Company Behind ThirdEye?** - **Seller:** [ThirdEye Labs Limited](https://www.g2.com/sellers/thirdeye-labs-limited) - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** London, GB - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/10275394 (2 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 13. [TrackerHero Patrol](https://www.g2.com/products/trackerhero-patrol/reviews) TrackerHero is an integrated security operations and workforce management platform combining real‑time GPS tracking, patrol monitoring, automated reporting, and centralized command control. It’s designed for enterprises in security, facilities management, construction, and city operations to enhance visibility, accountability, compliance, and operational efficiency. **Who Is the Company Behind TrackerHero Patrol?** - **Seller:** [TrackerHero](https://www.g2.com/sellers/trackerhero) - **Year Founded:** 2016 - **HQ Location:** Cyberjaya, MY - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/trackerhero/ (32 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 14. [Umbo Light](https://www.g2.com/products/umbo-light/reviews) Light looks for hyman behaviors and is 10x more accurate than other analytic products. **Who Is the Company Behind Umbo Light?** - **Seller:** [Umbo Computer Vision](https://www.g2.com/sellers/umbo-computer-vision) - **Year Founded:** 2015 - **HQ Location:** San Francisco, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/umbo-cv/ (23 employees on LinkedIn®) ### 15. [VidSys](https://www.g2.com/products/vidsys/reviews) VidSys is a physical security software that helps reduce costs, improve response times, and leverage existing physical security devices while providing greater protection. **Who Is the Company Behind VidSys?** - **Seller:** [VidSys](https://www.g2.com/sellers/vidsys) - **Year Founded:** 2012 - **HQ Location:** Vienna, US - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/ares-security/ (101 employees on LinkedIn®) ## 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.