TacDesk vs Deputy
Deputy handles shift scheduling well — but it was never built for UK security. TacDesk fills every gap: SIA compliance, guard welfare, real-time operations, and more.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Deputy is a popular general workforce management platform used across hospitality, retail, and security. Here’s how it compares to TacDesk for UK security operations.
| Feature | TacDesk | Deputy |
|---|---|---|
| Built for UK Security | ✓ | ✗ General workforce tool |
| GPS Clock In/Out | ✓ | ✓ Geo-verified |
| Real-Time GPS Tracking | ✓ Live map | ✗ Location at clock-in only |
| Scheduling | ✓ Drag & drop + shift marketplace | ✓ Core scheduling |
| Incident Reports | ✓ Photos, video, GPS, PDF | ✗ Not available |
| Patrol Reports and NFC | ✓ Route tracking + NFC | ✗ Not available |
| SIA Licence Tracking | ✓ SIA Public Register auto-sync | ✗ Not available |
| Compliance Module | ✓ | ✗ Not available |
| Payroll Integration | ✓ Payroll API on request | ✓ Xero, ADP, MYOB and more |
| Client Portal | ✓ Full portal with reports, footage, maps | ✗ Not available |
| Body-Cam Footage Management | ✓ | ✗ Not available |
| Dispatcher Mode | ✓ Real-time coordination | ✗ Not available |
| Digital Occurrence Book | ✓ ACS-compliant | ✗ Not available |
| BOLO Alerts | ✓ Broadcast with photos | ✗ Not available |
| Shift Marketplace | ✓ Guards self-serve | ✓ Shift offers to staff |
| White-Label Branding | ✓ Your domain and logo | ✗ Not available |
| Fleet Management | ✓ DVLA API, MOT tracking | ✗ Not available |
| Kit and Inventory Tracking | ✓ Serial numbers, conditions | ✗ Not available |
What TacDesk Offers That Deputy Doesn't
Deputy is built for scheduling shifts. TacDesk is built for running a UK security company.
SIA Public Register Sync
Automatically verify every guard's licence against the official SIA Public Register — real-time, hands-free compliance you can't get elsewhere.
Compliance Module
Built-in compliance support for ACS, Martin's Law, and upcoming SIA licensing regulation — not a third-party add-on. Audit trails, document management, and evidence packs included.
Dispatcher Mode
See your whole operation on a live map. Assign tasks, track responses, and coordinate mobile teams in real time.
Incident Reporting
Geo-tagged incident reports with photos, video, and PDF export — built for evidence, GDPR, and client transparency.
Client Portal
Give clients real-time visibility into patrols, GPS data, incidents, and footage — a differentiator that wins and retains contracts.
Digital Occurrence Book
ACS-compliant digital occurrence book replacing paper logs — searchable, auditable, and court-ready.
Patrol Reports & NFC
Route tracking with NFC checkpoint scanning — prove every patrol, every checkpoint, every time.
Fleet & Kit Management
DVLA API integration for MOT and tax tracking, plus full kit and inventory management — all in one platform.
Deputy vs TacDesk: Who Should Switch?
Deputy is a well-designed scheduling platform used across hospitality, healthcare, and security. If your operation only needs rota management and clock-in, it works fine.
But if you run a UK security company, Deputy leaves significant gaps — gaps that can cost you contracts, create compliance risk, and leave your operations team without the tools they need:
- No SIA licence verification — you’ll need a separate process to check guard licences against the Public Register
- No ACS compliance support — critical if you hold or are pursuing Approved Contractor Scheme accreditation
- No incident reporting — no geo-tagged, photo/video incident records, which clients increasingly demand
- No patrol proof — no NFC checkpoints or route tracking to evidence your patrol coverage
- No client portal — clients can’t see live reports, footage, or GPS patrol data
- Per-user pricing scales badly — headcount in security fluctuates significantly across shifts and contracts, making per-seat models a poor fit
TacDesk was purpose-built for UK security companies. No setup fees, no contracts.
Comparison based on publicly available information at time of writing. We recommend verifying current competitor offerings directly.
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