Technology Desc

Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2025 Q4 – The ROI of Smarter Security: How AI Body Cameras Are Transforming the Industry

THE ROI OF SMARTER SECURITY: HOW AI BODY CAMERAS ARE TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY

Johann Hauswald, Plix AI, CALSAGA Network Partner

In today’s fast-paced private security landscape, efficiency, accountability, and client confidence aren’t just competitive advantages – they define operational success. As security teams balance rising demands with limited resources, emerging technologies like AI-powered body worn cameras are helping organizations operate smarter and safer while improving their bottom line.

Turning Footage into Actionable Insight

Traditional body cameras record what happened – AI-enabled systems reveal why it happened. By automatically analyzing footage, detecting key events, and flagging risks, modern platforms reduce hours of manual review and provide supervisors with faster, more meaningful insights.

“When a guard faced a misconduct allegation, we were able to review the footage instantly and confirm what really happened. That visibility helped defuse a potentially serious escalation with the client.”

– Patrick Leighton, Owner at Falcon Protective Services

From Reactive to Real-Time

AI-driven analytics help transform incident management from reactive to proactive. Instead of waiting hours or days for footage review, teams can now detect and document events as they unfold, reducing response times by over 90% and improving situational awareness across every site.

Smarter Documentation, Measurable ROI

Automated transcripts and event tagging are redefining how teams manage incident documentation. By generating accurate, time-stamped records of key moments, these tools reduce administrative work, strengthen transparency, and have helped some organizations cut court appearances per incident by 66%.

“We had a case where someone claimed we’d used pepper spray without cause. The video showed the full story, including the threat and attempted assault on         another guard. That footage gave us the clarity we needed to resolve the issue quickly and confidently.”

– Maynor Dardon, General Manager at Treston Security Services

Why It Matters

The benefits of AI in private security extend well beyond efficiency. By turning footage into actionable insight, these tools enable faster decision-making, stronger accountability, and improved client trust.

As the industry continues to evolve, leading firms are embracing AI not as a replacement for people, but as a force multiplier that empowers them to do more with less – safely, intelligently, and profitably.

Johann Hauswald is the Founder and CEO of Plix AI, a startup developing AI-enabled body cameras and safety analytics software for private security and field-operations industries. Plix is backed by Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and the founders of Samsara and Verkada.

Johann earned his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan, where he specialized in AI at the edge and computer vision. Before founding Plix, he was a postdoc at Stanford working on large-scale video analytics and edge inference systems and previously co-founded a venture back AI company building conversational AI systems. His work sits at the intersection of AI, safety, and real-time video intelligence, advancing how organizations detect and respond to incidents in the physical world.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2025 Q4 – Three Priorities Shaping the Future of Enterprise Security Operations

THREE PRIORITIES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ENTERPRISE SECURITY OPERATIONS

Jill Davie, TEAM Software by WorkWave, CALSAGA Network Partner

If you lead an enterprise-level security guarding company, the conversations at trade shows this fall likely confirmed what you’re already experiencing. After engaging with industry peers and innovators, a clear consensus emerged: the security landscape is being redefined by three essential themes: data, efficiency and the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

For businesses operating at scale, these aren’t simply abstract trends. They are urgent imperatives that dictate your profitability, ability to grow and client retention. Here’s what’s top of mind for security executives navigating this digital transformation.

Data and Analytics: Turning the Data Stream into Strategic Insight

Every security firm is sitting on a goldmine of data: daily activity reports, overtime exceptions, incident reports, client history and real-time field activity. The core operational challenge is shifting from merely storing this information to actively harnessing it to inform strategy.

Industry leaders are no longer satisfied with simple historical reports. They are moving toward proactive, predictive risk management, which requires centralizing disparate data into one unified platform. This enables decision-makers to ask and answer complex business questions: Which sites have the highest incident rate relative to labor hours allocated? Which scheduling patterns correlate with the highest overtime costs?

When you enable the fusion of real-time field data with back-office financials, you unlock predictive capabilities that directly impact profitability. The goal is to democratize this information, empowering regional managers to use intuitive, AI-assisted tools for ad-hoc exploration and instantly generating custom visualizations that drive strategic decision-making.

The Efficiency Imperative: Automating the Back Office and Empowering the Field

In today’s environment, eliminating administrative waste is the fastest path to significant ROI. Every manual process, from payroll entry to paper-based compliance checks, represents a drain on both financial and human capital.

Implementing a core, industry-specific Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform that unifies financial, human resources and operational data can dramatically cut down administrative time. For example, we have seen security companies successfully cut their payroll processing time by up to 90% by shifting from siloed legacy tools to a unified system. That time is then redirected toward business growth and high-value customer service.

Simultaneously, efficiency must extend to the front line. Modern firms provide mobile self-service devices that give distributed officers instant access to their schedules, paychecks and HR information right from their devices, virtually eliminating time-consuming requests to back office staff.

The Hybrid Future: AI as the Guard’s Force Multiplier

While early discussions around AI were often abstract, today’s industry focus is on practical technology that enhances rather than replaces human security personnel: a hybrid security model.

A hybrid model strategically combines physical security officers with technologies like AI-powered video surveillance, advanced robotics and intelligent field reporting tools. This creates a layered defense system where technology acts as a force multiplier, allowing officers to transition from static patrolling to managing by exception and dedicating their attention to genuine threats flagged by technology.

In daily operations, this means equipping officers with real-time field management applications to capture detailed activity logs, instant incident reports and duress alerts. This mobile data is instantly fed into the core platform, providing supervisors with continuous visibility and the ability to proactively address potential issues.

Taking the Next Step

The future of security is not a single product but an integrated, intelligent and efficient operational model. By embracing the right holistic software solution, you can unify your back office and field operations to unlock the profitability and scalability necessary to compete in the enterprise security market.

Learn how TEAM Software by WorkWave provides the technology stack designed to support your strategic goals at teamsoftware.com.

Jill Davie started her career at TEAM Software as a summer marketing intern in 1996. At the time, TEAM was a start-up with 12 employees

 After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Iowa State University, Jill joined TEAM full time in 1998 as a Sales Associate. Over the next 20 years, she assumed various leadership roles in Sales, Marketing, Communications, Customer Success and Professional Services as the company grew significantly. Jill also served on TEAM’s Board of Directors from 2014 through 2021 when it was acquired by WorkWave. During her board tenure, TEAM transformed from founder-owned, to employee-owned to private equity owned. They also acquired five companies across the globe, expanding their domestic and international market leadership.

 Currently, Jill serves as the SVP & GM, Cleaning & Security responsible for Customer Success Management, Professional Services and Customer Engagement. She is passionate about operational excellence, engaging directly with customers and attracting and retaining top talent with a people-centric culture.

 

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2025 Q4 – Navigating the Overtime Tax Changes of 2025: What Security Professionals Need to Know

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NAVIGATING THE OVERTIME TAX CHANGES OF 2025: WHAT SECURITY PROFESSIONALS NEED TO KNOW

Nina De Forge, TEAM Software by WorkWave, CALSAGA Network Partner

Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice or a political opinion. Consult with internal and/or external counsel, as well as a qualified tax professional, for guidance specific to your business and employees.

The security industry frequently depends on dedicated employees working beyond standard hours to meet client demands. Whether it’s handling emergency security situations, overtime is often an operational necessity rather than an option. Upcoming changes to federal tax law regarding overtime compensation are on the horizon and may affect both your employees and your business operations.

Why Overtime Changes Matter for Your Industry

On July 4, 2025, Public Law No. 119-21, known as “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), was enacted, which finalized significant tax cuts and reforms. Starting in tax year 2025, a new federal tax deduction allows certain employees to deduct the “premium portion” of their overtime compensation—the extra amount they earn above their regular hourly rate.

How These Overtime Changes May Impact Your Employees

Consider a security guard earning $20/hour who works overtime at $30/hour. The additional $10/hour premium can now be deducted from their federal taxable income. However, there are important limitations:

  • Deduction Caps: Capped at $12,500 per year ($25,000 for married couples filing jointly).
  • Income Limits: Phased out when modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 for married couples filing jointly).
  • Tax Type: Applies only to federal income tax; Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) still apply.
  • Overtime Type Restrictions: Only overtime required under Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Overtime mandated by state laws, union contracts, or voluntary company policies will not qualify.

How These Overtime Changes May Impact Your Business

Employers will need to make significant adjustments to their payroll and reporting processes.

New Reporting Requirements for Tax Year 2025: Employers must be able to demonstrate a good faith effort in reporting qualified overtime, in cases where qualified overtime was not captured in their system for 2025. They can use “Box 14 Other” for reporting qualified overtime for tax year 2025 pending additional guidance.

New Reporting Requirements for Tax Year 2026: Employers must be able to accurately report qualified overtime, required in Box 12 and identified in their current W2. You must use ‘TT’ – total amount of qualified overtime compensation – when determining the deduction for qualified overtime compensation on Schedule 1-A (Form 1040).

Operational Adjustments: For security operations that rely heavily on overtime, this represents a substantial change to existing payroll processes.

Your ERP’s Role in Supporting Your Success

As a payroll and workforce management partner, leading ERP’s – like TEAM Software by WorkWave’s WinTeam, are  ensuring your systems can seamlessly adapt to these new requirements while maintaining reliability.

Best-of-breed ERPs  should be actively engaged with industry organizations and monitoring regulatory developments to ensure updates to their solution continue to support your compliance efforts.

Key Areas of Focus for Your Business

Key areas that may require attention include:

  1. System Assessment: Review your payroll system’s ability to separate and track overtime premium amounts. Systems must be able to distinguish between the base overtime rate and the premium portion for W-2 reporting.
  2. Process Documentation: Document how overtime premiums will be calculated, tracked, and reported, distinguishing FLSA-required overtime from other forms.
  3. Testing and Validation: Test your systems to ensure accurate calculation and reporting.
  4. Timeline Planning: Develop a preparation timeline that ensures adequate system updates, staff training, and process validation before the requirements take effect.

Interested to see how WinTeam’s in-house payroll system can efficiently manage these complex requirements? Reach out to us for more information.

Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice or a political opinion. Consult with internal and/or external counsel, as well as a qualified tax professional, for guidance specific to your business and employees.

Nina De Forge joined the team in 2017 and is the Agency Relations Manager. Nina, also known as “9,” has been working with human resources, payroll and tax compliance since the 1980s and has a broad range of experience across each discipline. She is an active member of many industry organizations, including the IRS Information Reporting Advisory Committee and its Nationwide E-Filer’s National Focus Group, the Canadian Payroll Association, the Society for Human Resource Management and the International Association for Human Resource Information Management. She is a published author in the book American Payroll Association Basic Guide to Payroll. Outside of her career work, Nina is a hobby photographer.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2025 Q3 – MANAGING EMPLOYEE TIME OFF: INSIGHTS FROM NEW WORKFORCE RESEARCH

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MANAGING EMPLOYEE TIME OFF: INSIGHTS FROM NEW WORKFORCE RESEARCH

Stephanie Petersen, TEAM Software by WorkWave, CALSAGA Network Partner

Many security companies are spending a huge portion of time tracking employee time off requests. It’s a necessary function for your teams…but one that often adds up in terms of administrative burden.

If time off management processes seem cumbersome now, consider this: your staff is probably taking less time than they could. While this might seem like it would reduce administrative workload, the reality is opposite: employees who avoid taking time off when they need it often end up creating more urgent, last-minute requests that are far more disruptive to manual tracking systems.

Recent survey data* shows that 67% of Americans worked while sick in the past year. The reasons employees avoid taking sick days include falling behind on work (26%), fear of being seen as unreliable (22%) and negative judgment from coworkers or supervisors (12%). Among Generation Z workers–who represent a growing portion of the security workforce–52% continued to work while sick, rather than take time off. This can actually compound into more absence management work needed by your team down the road, as 35% of workers who pushed through illness ultimately became sicker and ended up needing more time off work anyway.

The Administrative Reality

Consider what happens with a typical time off request under manual systems. An employee fills out a paper form or sends an email request. A supervisor must manually verify available balances, often by consulting separate spreadsheets or calling the office. Approval notifications happen through informal communication. Payment processing requires additional manual data entry.

Each step introduces delays and potential errors while consuming administrative time. Considering enterprise security companies often employ over 100 people at minimum, the cumulative effect often surprises organizations when they calculate the actual time spent on time off management. Administrative staff track multiple types of leave across dozens or hundreds of employees, often using separate systems for scheduling, payroll and benefits. Errors are common and costly—approving time off that exceeds available balances creates payroll complications, while missing schedule updates can leave posts uncovered.

If this is already the reality your business is facing, imagine if the data was painting a different picture, and 100% of employees were taking sick days whenever it was justified. Even discounting unpaid leave absences, your administrative burden could increase exponentially.

A More Effective Approach

Organizations that have streamlined their time off processes focus on creating workflows that work for employees, supervisors and administrative staff alike. The key elements include employee access to their own benefit balances, supervisor visibility into scheduling implications and automated integration between approval decisions and operational systems.

Effective processes allow employees to submit different types of requests—paid time off, unpaid time off and time off not tied to benefits—while automatically checking available balances. Supervisors receive notifications with relevant scheduling information to make informed approval decisions without phone calls or file searches.

When approval workflows include scheduling context, supervisors can see potential conflicts or coverage arrangements before making decisions. Integration with payroll systems eliminates duplicate data entry, while automated schedule updates prevent employees from being assigned shifts during approved time off.

Different types of time off can be tracked appropriately—planned vacation, unplanned sick time, family leave and unpaid absences—supporting compliance requirements while giving managers visibility into usage patterns.

What Success Looks Like

Effective time off management produces measurable operational improvements where your team spends less time processing time off requests. Administrative efficiency increases when routine tasks become predictable and errors decrease. Employee satisfaction improves when policies are clear and processes are accessible. Operational planning becomes more reliable when time off patterns are visible and well-documented.

Better processes also support workforce retention. When employees can easily access their benefits and understand their available time off, they’re more likely to plan appropriately rather than creating last-minute scheduling challenges. Clear processes reduce the administrative barriers that can push employees toward competitors with more accessible policies.

The investment in improved time off management—whether through better manual processes or integrated systems—typically pays dividends across operations. Reduced administrative burden frees staff for strategic activities. Better information supports more informed scheduling decisions. Accurate tracking supports compliance efforts while reducing payroll errors.

For security companies evaluating their current approach, the priority should be identifying specific operational pain points. Some organizations benefit from policy clarification and standardized forms. Others need better tracking tools or integrated workflows. The most successful improvements address real administrative challenges while supporting both employee needs and operational requirements.

*Read more about the referenced survey data by visiting teamsoftware.com.

Stephanie is a passionate product manager with a demonstrated history of working in various roles in the software industry, who loves building and using products that add significant value to people’s day-to-day lives and businesses.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2025 Q3 – DATA-DRIVEN SECRETS TO RUNNING A PROFITABLE SECURITY FIRM

DATA-DRIVEN SECRETS TO RUNNING A PROFITABLE SECURITY FIRM

Jordan Wallach, Belfry Software, CALSAGA Associate Member

Growing a security firm today means balancing strong financial practices, effective team management, and reliable operations. We crunched 600 million data points from hundreds of U.S. security companies using Belfry to find out what the most successful companies do best: improving margins, retaining officers, and building lasting client relationships.

Talk About Billing Without Talking About Billing

Firms with above-average on-time payments grow faster, thanks to predictable cash flow. Interestingly, the firms with the highest on-time payments don’t just send invoices, they engage with their clients more often. On-site visits, incident reports, and regular client portal logins all correlate with faster payments because they build trust and keep clients informed. Tools like automated invoice reminders and client portals amplify this effect, accelerating collections and strengthening margins.

Invest in Your Officers
Well-paid, well-prepared officers deliver better service and stay longer. Our data shows that firms offering higher pay often see turnover rates about 12% lower with a 10% pay bump. Structured onboarding (e.g., covering company policies, client expectations, site-specific training, and a 30-day check-in) aligns with higher satisfaction and stronger client outcomes.

Focus on Quality Revenue
Companies charging 10–20% higher bill rates than the local median often see stronger revenue growth. This strategy supports better officer pay, directly linked to retention, and sustains quality service. We see growing clients often with longer billing cycles, used as client incentives, which also correlate with reduced administrative burden.

Operate with Reliability
It’s no secret that call-offs carry hidden costs, from unbilled overtime to strained relationships. Top-performing firms publish schedules early, keep them fair, and maintain a reserve pool of qualified officers. Mobile shift offers and real-time scheduling tools help fill posts quickly, while attendance incentives paired with competitive pay reduce absenteeism.

Small changes, like night-shift premiums, smarter scheduling, or onboarding checklists, can produce measurable improvements across all four pillars. To see how the fastest-growing firms are operating differently, download Belfry’s latest whitepaper here.

Jordan Wallach is the Co-Founder and CEO of Belfry, the modern operating system for security guard services companies and a CALSAGA Member. Prior to founding Belfry, Jordan was a consultant at McKinsey & Company and a Product Manager at Microsoft, building software used by millions of people worldwide. He has a bachelor’s degree in Data Science from Stanford University.

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2025 Q1 – THE IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY ACA COMPLIANCE IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

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THE IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY ACA COMPLIANCE IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

Jordan Wallach, Belfry Software, CALSAGA Associate Member

As the new year begins, Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliance is a top priority for security firms employing 50 or more full-time equivalent employees. With strict deadlines for filing annual tax and benefits documentation, this is the time to ensure your organization avoids costly penalties and time-consuming audits.

To give you a better idea of the potential costs, failure to offer insurance has a penalty of $2,970 per employee, failure to offer affordable insurance skyrockets to $4,970 per employee, and failure to provide coverage notice can cost a firm owner $100 per employee, per day.

The extreme fluctuation of hours worked by security officers month-to-month can make staying ahead of ACA requirements especially crucial. In this case, the best way to ensure ongoing compliance is proactive management.

Automation tools simplify compliance tasks, providing firms with the confidence to seamlessly navigate complexities. Tools offered by an all-in-one security platform like Belfry help with:

  • Full-Time Status Determination: Belfry tracks employee hours in real time, identifying those eligible for health insurance and ensuring timely offers of coverage.
  • Form Filings: Automate the creation, e-filing, and mailing of 1094/1095-C forms, eliminating manual errors and meeting IRS deadlines.
  • Affordability Calculations: Belfry ensures health plans meet affordability standards, reducing the risk of penalties.
  • IRS ACA Audit Support: Receive audit-ready reports and expert assistance to handle IRS inquiries with ease.

For security guard services where hours vary month-to-month, Belfry’s tools take the guesswork out of ACA compliance. Don’t wait until deadlines loom—streamline your processes now to protect your business.

Jordan Wallach is the Co-Founder and CEO of Belfry, the modern operating system for security guard services companies and a CALSAGA Member. Prior to founding Belfry, Jordan was a consultant at McKinsey & Company and a Product Manager at Microsoft, building software used by millions of people worldwide. He has a bachelor’s degree in Data Science from Stanford University.

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2025 Q1 – PUT DATA TO WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS

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PUT DATA TO WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS

David Libesman, TEAM Software by WorkWave, CALSAGA Network Partner

Data has become increasingly important in business, as major companies are devoting more time and energy into tracking, finding and understanding how to make informed decisions. With data, businesses have the power to expose inefficiencies, highlight opportunities, shed light on customer trends and improve daily operations.

Companies that use data properly have the power to turn valuable information into hard stats or raw analytics that provide insights that can increase profitability. Though the security industry has its nuances, business owners can take steps to gain an edge over competitors.

Placing value on data

Without careful processing in the correct context, data can appear unorganized at first glance. Data must be organized and interpreted to have tangible value and then communicated effectively to ensure that insights can be obtained even from professionals unfamiliar with raw data to put the information into context.

Data pertaining to service costs, market conditions and labor requirements can offer insights into how much a customer is willing to charge for security services. Activity data related to schedules, service completions and performance can help denote quality workers who may be ready for additional responsibilities. Operational data that focuses on tracking response times, team productivity and measuring assessments can help optimize operations.

Turning data into insights

Because companies have the power to access deep insights and drive significant business value when their data is accessible and integrated, it must be transformed into information. After data is collected and gathered from various sources, it must be reviewed and assessed for accuracy, curated and normalized before it can be utilized as actionable information.

Different data sets need to be integrated from various sources and ensure the view is unified and connections can be made across teams. Then the data can be analyzed with the goal of discovering useful information – this is where patterns and trends can be identified. Finally, the data must be presented in a format that can be easily digested by various employees of different backgrounds, so the information may be put to actionable use.

In its final stage, data can help professionals make informed decisions on how to move forward. Data aids with exposing inefficiencies while revealing opportunities for confident business decisions. If the right actionable insights are taken, a business may be able to use data to achieve scalable business growth without requiring additional support.

Actionable data insights

Data can be used for auditing purposes, to track the quality of services to ensure operations are fully optimized. Businesses can use data to better evaluate whether the services being offered are upheld to the specifications of SLAs. Alternatively, data can highlight possible expenses that can be cut, allowing for a security company to have additional confidence in taking those steps.

Customer behavior can be better understood, as data can highlight consistent actions, which can aid in retaining and encouraging repeat business. Data can be used jointly with customers to help them better understand the guard services provided and how steps are being taken to reach specific standards.

Analyzing and interpreting data can enhance financial performance and boost profitability. For example, reviewing previous client contracts and using that information to prepare for future business can help businesses recognize trends and focus on profitable services.

TEAM Software and data

TEAM Software understands how critical information is to the security sector. To continue supporting security professionals, we’ll soon launch analytics tools with new capabilities to help support business growth. When these tools are ready for use, more information will be available on the teamsoftware.com website.

David Libesman, SVP & GM, AI& Data Analytics Business Unit at WorkWave

David Libesman is a visionary SaaS executive with an entrepreneurial spirit and track record of developing, monetizing and growing data analytics & AI product strategy and business. David is well-versed in driving strong sales through enterprise channels, as well as building, developing and retaining high-performing teams. He aims to bring best of breed AI and analytic capabilities to boost growth and profits for TEAM Software customers through data-driven strategies.

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2024 Q1 – BENEFITTING FROM BEACON TECHNOLOGY

BENEFITTING FROM BEACON TECHNOLOGY

Stephanie Petersen, TEAM Software by WorkWave, CALSAGA Network Partner

For security professionals searching for ways to better manage guards working in the field, Bluetooth beacons can offer a number of benefits. Beacons are wireless transmitters that communicate with other smart devices through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, a power-friendly version of Bluetooth wireless tech.

Bluetooth beacons constantly send out radio signals to nearby smartphones and tablets, and their signals contain a small amount of data. Mobile apps are able to listen to those signals. Once an app hears a relevant signal, it can trigger an action on your phone – pinpointing a location, tracking movements and triggering location-based notifications.

Over the past decade, beacon technology has gained a large amount of traction with major companies incorporating beacons for smartphones, tablets, laptops, medical devices and home entertainment products. Less than a decade ago in 2016, the market for beacon technology was valued at $519.6 million. At this rate, it is expected to reach $56.6 billion in 2026.

Security professionals seeking low-cost solutions offering real-time asset tracking and proof of service to customers can utilize beacons as a reliable choice. When combined with an  integrated workforce management system, Bluetooth beacons can add additional real-time data, insights or analytics that can be accessed and reported on.

Beacon technology and the security industry

Part of the reason the beacons work so well for the security industry is the fact that they offer location-tracking technology. Beacons consistently provide exact details on where a mobile device is located, whether it’s outdoors or indoors, unlike GPS signals that fail to communicate with satellites inside some buildings.

Beacons also require little assembly, maintenance or power requirements. Within a few minutes of installation, they can stay operational for years or at least until a battery needs to be replaced. Although different variations of Bluetooth beacons perform the same location tracking and data transmission-related tasks, their size, shape and price may vary.

Cost varies, but professionals should expect to spend as much as $50 on a reliable Bluetooth beacon. Despite aesthetic variations, beacons generally use coin cell or AA battery types, and battery life will vary depending on different factors, most notably the power source, settings and how often the beacon is used.

Because beacons are compatible with common smartphones, specifically iOS and Android devices, and due to the commonality of Bluetooth technology, there should be built-in features on nearly every smartphone to minimize installation or maintenance concerns.

Lighthouse and Bluetooth beacon software

Once a beacon system is in place, integrations can push the technology forward. For example, TEAM Software by WorkWave offers Lighthouse, which integrates with Bluetooth beacon technology and offers a usable app that ensures guards are properly monitored, while also offering communication features in the event of a high-risk incident.

A security company that was contracted to provide dedicated services to a large golf facility implemented Lighthouse to help record patrols, manage tasks, report issues, complete inspections and communicate with managers.

After setting up a network of 24 beacons throughout the golf course and club, they achieved better visibility throughout the facility, greater compliance with security patrols and were able to respond faster to security issues. They also eliminated paper-based data capture and moved to centralized reporting.

Lighthouse helps managers ensure that workers are performing their duties. But it also aids in providing ongoing reports, which could help document risk management compliance, defend against claims and expose areas where efficiencies can be gained.

To continue learning about Lighthouse and the uses of beacon technology, take advantage of the following eBook: The Beginner’s Guide to Beacons. This guide was designed to share valuable information on beacon technology and depict how beacons can offer real benefits to a business. Case studies are included in this eBook to offer details on how specific security companies better managed their workforce and reduced operation costs.

Learn more

Stephanie is a passionate product manager with a demonstrated history of working in various roles in the software industry, who loves building and using products that add significant value to people’s day-to-day lives and businesses.

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Aley Moyer

The Californian Q4 2023 – Navigating the Increasingly Difficult Waters of California Compliance

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Navigating the Increasingly Difficult Waters of California Compliance

Jordan Wallach, Belfry Software, Associate Member

The recent Annual Conference was an eye-opener on how shifting California regulations are reshaping the compliance scene for guard services firms. It’s clear: the back office is now in the hot seat, juggling more than ever – from sick time tracking and overtime calculations to break compliance. This could mean less time for those strategic moves that set your business apart from the crowd.

The updated California regulations necessitate meticulous tracking of sick time accruals and carryovers, with the recent law increasing annual sick days from three to five and enhancing carryover provisions. Weighted overtime calculations demand a methodical approach to identify overtime hours and decide on the applicable overtime rate, adhering to California’s specific rules. Break compliance is equally crucial, mandating meal breaks and rest breaks, with non-compliance resulting in significant fines.

Here’s where Belfry strides in as the industry’s purpose-built Payroll & HR platform, integrated with all the other components you need to run a guard services firm. Its end-to-end solution smartly handles time-off tracking, automates those overtime calculations based on California’s rules, and has got break compliance covered too. Belfry isn’t about adding another tool to your stack; it’s about easing compliance to free up your back office. With Belfry, compliance becomes a breeze, letting you focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional service and carving a distinctive niche in the security sector.

Jordan Wallach is the Co-Founder and CEO of Belfry, the modern operating system for security guard services companies and a CALSAGA Member. Prior to founding Belfry, Jordan was a consultant at McKinsey & Company and a Product Manager at Microsoft, building software used by millions of people worldwide. He has a bachelor’s degree in Data Science from Stanford University.

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Aley Moyer

The Californian Q3 2023 – Unlocking a Competitive Advantage

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Unlocking a Competitive Advantage

Jordan Wallach, Belfry Software, Associate Member

Standing out in the security guard industry requires strategy and follow-through. Here are areas we’ve found that companies often prioritize, but then fall short:

When operational fires arise, client relationships are the first to fall by the wayside. Our recent survey found that despite being part of their initial job description, Operations Managers spend less than 10% of their time in front of clients. They’re simply spending too much time tracking down personnel or managing a patchwork of tools.

Here, the power of modern technology solutions becomes evident. First, this could halve the time spent that Operations Managers spend scheduling and managing reports – creating space to focus on strategic work and client relationships. But an intelligent system also quantifies the value of your services – locking in renewals and assisting in difficult contract negotiations.

It’s also critical to empower your team. While companies invest heavily in training hours, time & money is wasted when officers are equipped with outdated tools. Providing user-friendly technology that feels just like the tech they use at home means happier employees and less time spent troubleshooting.

This is where Belfry fits in. Our industry-leading software is designed only for security guard services businesses – allowing your team to focus on what makes your company unique: strong client relationships and strategic thinking. With Belfry, it’s about more than just software; it’s about helping you make your mark in the competitive security landscape. Let us help unlock your company’s true potential.

Jordan Wallach is the Co-Founder and CEO of Belfry, the modern operating system for security guard services companies and a CALSAGA Member. Prior to founding Belfry, Jordan was a consultant at McKinsey & Company and a Product Manager at Microsoft, building software used by millions of people worldwide. He has a bachelor’s degree in Data Science from Stanford University.

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