Proving Patrols Were Completed
One of the most common client questions is “how do I know my site was actually patrolled?” Until now, the answer relied on paper patrol sheets or GPS data showing a guard was in the general area. Neither provides definitive proof that specific locations within a site were visited.
Today we’re launching NFC checkpoint scanning in TacDesk, giving you irrefutable proof of patrol completion.
How It Works
NFC (Near Field Communication) tags are small, durable discs that you place at key locations around a site — entry points, stairwells, car parks, perimeter gates, fire exits. During a patrol, the guard holds their phone within a few centimetres of each tag to scan it.
Each scan records:
- The checkpoint identity and location
- The guard who scanned it
- The exact time of the scan
- GPS coordinates confirming the phone’s location
The guard’s phone must be physically present at the tag — NFC cannot be scanned remotely, making it tamper-proof.
Setting Up Checkpoints
Managers configure checkpoints through the management dashboard:
- Name each checkpoint (e.g., “Main Gate”, “Server Room”, “Car Park Level 2”)
- Assign checkpoints to sites
- Define patrol routes — which checkpoints should be scanned and in what order
- Set expected patrol frequency
NFC tags cost pennies each, are weatherproof, and require no power or maintenance. Simply peel and stick them in position.
What Managers See
The management dashboard shows patrol completion in real time. You can see which checkpoints have been scanned during the current shift, which are overdue, and the complete patrol history for any site or date range.
Missed checkpoints are flagged automatically, so you only need to investigate when something’s wrong rather than manually checking every patrol.
Client Reporting
Patrol data feeds into client reports and the client portal. Clients can see exactly when each checkpoint was scanned, providing the service verification they’re paying for. This level of transparency is a powerful contract retention tool.
NFC checkpoint scanning is available on TacDesk Professional and Enterprise plans. Try the demo to see checkpoint scanning in action.