- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
A highly-rated mobile-first platform, SafetyCulture offers one of the best physical security software today. Its full-featured suite enables companies to proactively identify threats and other risks by streamlining security-related tasks such as routine inspections, risk assessments, report generation, and even maintenance work on CCTVs and alarm systems. With SafetyCulture’s comprehensive platform, companies can effectively enhance physical security measures and ensure compliance with standards.
Features:
- Ensure systematic inspections and reviews of security measures by standardizing the protocols with the help of pre-built templates from the Public Library.
- Enhance the assigned personnel’s situational awareness by enabling them to track the access points in facilities in real-time, and receive immediate alerts for unauthorized entry with sensors and Heads Up.
- Manage security across multiple sites and locations and zoom in on the location of specific incidents with the help of geo-tagging.
- Simplify the reporting process for security incidents and provide first responders with relevant information by incorporating QR codes on generated digital documents.
- Refine security protocols using built-in analytics to identify patterns and trends when reviewing incidents.
Why Use Genetec?
A fully integrated security portfolio, Genetec doesn’t just have all the features organizations require (e.g., video surveillance, access control, and even license plate recognition) to combat security risks: it’s also highly scalable. With Genetec’s comprehensive platform, businesses can handle all potential threats in a continuously evolving landscape.
Features:
- Modern core systems (e.g., Intrusion Sensors, Machinery IoT, Connecting Intercoms)
- Unified dashboard
- Extensive integrations with over 900 solutions
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing (demo may be scheduled)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android), an on-premise solution, or a web-based software
Why Use XPRotect?
Known for its dependability and suitability for any industry, Milestone System’s XProtect offers advanced surveillance capabilities, data-driven insights, and extensive third-party integrations. With the help of this software solution, companies can keep a virtual eye on their entire operations and immediately respond when necessary.
Features:
- Intuitive interface with centralized search
- Proactive analytics alarm managers with programmable triggers
- Camera or sensor integrations
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing (demo may be scheduled)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android), an on-premise solution, or a web-based software
Why Use Avigilon?
Companies needing a security suite that integrates video security and access control available on the cloud and on-premise should consider Avigilon Control Center. Aside from its extensive integration with high-definition surveillance, facial recognition, and object detection, the platform also offers advanced analytics that boost businesses’ proactive response to threats.
Features:
- Flexible modular analytics
- Field of view resolution
- Future-ready with unlimited scalability
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Custom pricing (personalized demo may be scheduled)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android), an on-premise solution, or a web-based software
Why Use Brivo?
Creating the perfect security system is difficult without software solutions like Brivo. This cloud-based platform enables companies to provide access to authenticated personnel and guests, monitor sites in real time, and manage identities and related information. Best of all, these functionalities are available on any mobile device.
Features:
- Video surveillance
- Identity and visitor management
- Access control with mobile accessibility
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing (demo may also be requested)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why Use Exacq?
Intuitive and scalable security solutions take time to come by. But thanks to Exacq’s video surveillance solutions, businesses can protect everything that matters. Aside from its various Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, it also offers access controls and intelligent analytics that enhance any organization’s physical security.
Features:
- Access points from a centralized dashboard
- Integration with analog cameras
- High-performance video storage
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android), an on-premise solution, or a web-based software
Why Use Alibi Security?
With over 30 years of experience in serving security professionals, Alibi Security has proven that it can protect organizations from threats. Their enterprise-level cloud surveillance features camera-to-cloud architecture, reducing up-front investment and maintenance on hardware. Its scalable options can be used by large companies and even residential homeowners.
Features:
- Camera to cloud video surveillance
- Advanced AI analytics
- NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) solutions
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
What is Physical Security Software?
Physical security software is a digital tool designed to enhance the organization’s efforts to protect its physical assets, facilities, and personnel. In-house security teams, facility managers, and third-party workers use this to manage, monitor, and control access to physical spaces, enabling them to detect and respond to potential threats. The entire system becomes even more formidable when integrated with video surveillance equipment, detection and alarm hardware, and visitor management.
Importance
All companies across industries, from large enterprises with over a dozen facilities to small start-ups operating from home, require rigid security systems to protect their assets, resources, and people. Read on to know why a software solution aimed at boosting security measures is a must-have:
- Prevention of Unauthorized Access– Almost 90% of companies in the United States have experienced some form of physical security threat in 2022. On top of the costs accrued, physical breaches also result in data breaches, which are even more expensive at $4.45 million in 2023. With this platform, companies can prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing sensitive sites, minimizing theft, vandalism, and information leakages.
- Improved Asset Protection– Businesses invest significant funding in equipment, facilities, and raw materials. Software solutions don’t just prevent damage and theft; they can also reduce the misuse of these vital resources.
- Enhanced Risk Mitigation– The platform also enables organizations to monitor various activities in their facilities, from 24/7 surveillance to maintenance of security equipment. This functionality lets relevant personnel detect threats, proactively mitigate risks, and address vulnerabilities.
- Improved Safety and Compliance– Besides the gains from asset and data protection, companies also achieve compliance with regulations in an increasingly security-conscious business landscape. The software aids in this task by streamlining patrol processes, reporting, and security audits.
According to statistics, many companies still skip the chance of heightening their security systems because of the cost. This is a huge mistake because failure to protect your assets does more than just drain resources. It could also result in operational disruptions and reputational damage.
Key Features
Only a few comprehensive platforms (e.g., Building Management Systems) include physical security as a module because this particular software solution is highly task-specific. Whether you go for a full-featured solution or a stand-alone application, make sure it has the following:
- Access Control
- Biometric Authentication
- Perimeter Security
- Asset Listing and Management
- Template Library for Inspections and Assessments (e.g., facility security assessment, security checklists, incident reports, security equipment maintenance)
- Alerts and Notifications
- Visitor Management
- Security Incident and Event Management
- Automated Reporting
- Analytics (e.g., Physical Threat Modeling)
- Integrations with physical systems (e.g., video surveillance, intrusion detection, alarms)
- Mobile Security Applications
Selecting the Right Physical Security Software
More and more companies are leveraging technology for their security needs. The list includes logistics giant DB Schenker, world-famous Edinburgh Airport, and Premier League newcomer Brentford Football Club. You can reap the same benefits these organizations enjoy from the software solutions described above. But before you make your final choice, take another look at the comparison chart below:
| Physical Security Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/seat/month* | Yes |
| Genetec | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| XPRotect | Yes | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Avigilon | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Brivo | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Exacq | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Alibi Security | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
* billed annually
Eunice Arcilla Caburao