5 Best Security Guard Scheduling Software Solutions in 2025

The 5 Best Security Guard Scheduling Software Solutions of 2025

1. Connecteam — Best all-in-one security guard scheduling software solution.

   Start for free

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android

   Connecteam tops my list because it strikes a good balance between functionality and ease of use while being affordable.

   Why I chose Connecteam: I chose Connecteam because it’s an all-in-one suite designed to handle complex and time-sensitive guard scheduling. Its auto-scheduler, real-time location tracking, in-app chat, and instant notifications simplify guards’ deployment and monitoring. Guards can track time (including overtime and breaks) and report incidents on their smartphones. 

   Connecteam earned the top spot because of its affordability. If your company has 10 guards or fewer, you don’t need to pay a dime to use Connecteam. If you have a larger workforce, paid plans start at $29 for 30 guards — less than a dollar per guard. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable guard scheduling features:  

   Auto-Scheduling To Speed Up the Process

   What I like about Connecteam is that both the manual and automatic schedulers are easy to use. Yet, they have the advanced tools required for the complex needs of guard scheduling. Creating schedules manually is a breeze. You can use saved templates or use shift copying and recurring shift tools to create schedules in minutes. 

   You can add notes with instructions for clarity of responsibilities, site-specific risks, and operational procedures. Clear instructions eliminate any ambiguity that could cause confusion and misunderstandings. This prevents issues such as missed patrols, late arrivals, or improper handling of incidents.  

   

   The auto-scheduler saves you hours of manual work. Every time I use this feature, I’m overly impressed with its ability to create conflict-free schedules with a few clicks. The auto-scheduler considers security guards availability and preferences, reducing absenteeism and understaffing. This prevents gaps in coverage that may leave critical assets unguarded.

   Connecteam’s auto-scheduler also schedules guards based on their skills and qualification. For example, if you’re manning a special event, you can configure it to assign only guards with crowd management skills. You can also ensure guards on duty have valid firearm licenses to sidestep non-compliance and potential fatalities.  

   In addition, Connecteam lets you adapt your schedules to the unpredictable nature of security operations. The drag-and-drop helps deal with emergency coverage requests or unexpected absences. It makes it quick and intuitive to reallocate shifts for complete coverage. 

   Instant Notifications to Keep Guards in the Loop

   When you publish or change a schedule, Connecteam notifies the security guards instantly. Real-time notifications ensure security officers are on the same page and pulling in one direction.

   Instant notifications are particularly helpful when responding to emergencies. For example, if a client requests additional deployments, you can dispatch guards instantly, and the app will notify them immediately. The security personnel can respond to the call and deal with the threats before they escalate.

   Automated Shift Rotation to Free Up the Manager

   When life happens and a guard is unable to report for duty, Connecteam lets them find a replacement with ease. If no approval is required, the app will reassign the shift without the manager lifting a finger. However, for sensitive security operations, you can require each shift request to get your approval. 

   

   Once you approve the request, Connecteam reassigns the shift automatically, saving time. You’ll no longer waste time sifting through an endless list of guards just to find a suitable replacement. This is particularly helpful in a busy environment where skill matching and compliance with labor laws are critical.   

   Letting security guards take the much-needed rest can indirectly enhance customer satisfaction. When guards are well-rested, they are more attentive and can easily detect threats and suspicious activities. Their reaction times are faster, so no issue can slip through the cracks.

   Accurate Time Tracking For Unwavering Compliance

   Connecteam time tracker works seamlessly on the guard’s smartphone. As a result, the software doesn’t require a huge upfront fee to deploy. Additionally, the mobile app is so easy to use that even the non-techies in your workforce can track time more accurately. Another benefit is that you can create a unique time clock for each team. 

   

   The time clock leverages clock-in/out reminders and auto-clock-out functionality to boost time card accuracy. You can also create geofence or virtual boundaries around the establishments and assets you’re protecting. With Connecteam geofencing, you can rest easy knowing that each guard is clocking in only when physically at the assigned area. 

   Another thing I like is Connecteam’s flexible overtime tracking policies. You can configure the overtime policy to conform to labor laws in your state or country. For example, security firms in California can log daily and weekly overtime. Connecteam calculates overtime pay based on the predefined rates, eliminating the tedious and error-prone manual calculation process. 

   Real-Time Location Tracking For easy Check-Ins

   When you deploy security guards, no need to constantly call them to establish if they are indeed within the assigned area. Simply open Connecteam’s map to see the real-time location of each guard. The GPS tracking app highlights geofences in green on the map, making it easy to spot guards who are outside their designated work area. 

   I also like the fact that Connecteam helps determine whether guards patrolled each area as assigned. Simply open the map and select the “routes” icon to trace the guards movements when they were clocked in. The visibility reinforces team accountability, minimizing issues such as security personnel neglecting certain areas. 

   Location tracking is also indispensable for efficient incident response. If a client calls in with an emergency, you can easily dispatch the most proximate guard to the scene. Doing so reduces response time and helps contain potential threats faster.

   Integrations

   Connecteam comes with several integrations, including:

   • Quickbooks
   • Gusto
   • Paychex
   • Xero
   • Zapier
   • RUN Powered by ADP®

   Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Get Started Now!

   Key Features

   • Easy-to-use scheduling

   • Automatic conflict detection

   • Robust team communication hub

   • Guards onboarding

   • Time tracking with geofence

   • GPS location tracking

   Pros

   • Full-featured free plan for small security companies

   • Affordable paid plans

   • Apps are intuitive and easy to use

   • Great and highly responsive customer service

   Cons

   • Free plan available for up to 10 users only

   Pricing

   Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users

   Have All Your Security Guard Scheduling Needs in One Centralized Place!

   Start Scheduling Now
2. 

   Celayix — Good for monitoring guard activity

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android

   

   Celayix made it onto my list because ‌it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify guards scheduling. 

   Why I chose Celayix: I chose Celayix because the AI-powered scheduling proved very effective during my testing. However, I did note that the vendor prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. So, while the interface doesn’t look modern, the software has all the tools you need to schedule and manage guards effectively. 

   Let’s take a look at some notable Celayix’s features: 

   Easy-to-Use Scheduler

   

   Celayix supports manual and automatic scheduling: I found both options user-friendly. One thing I liked about the manual scheduler was the rule-based engine. The app lets you create rules for guards qualifications, unions, and overtime costs. With the rules, you’ll only need to click a button to create a schedule for optimal shift coverage.

   Shift bidding is another helpful feature that enables employees to express interest in taking up open shifts. What I liked is that the manager stays on top of shift bids and can accept or reject any request that doesn’t meet the requirements. However, Configuring bid rules can present a steep learning curve for first-time users.

   Find a Replacement Feature

   The “find replacement” feature is another Celayix highlight, which is especially useful for last-minute absences. If a guard fails to show up, you don’t need to search through an endless list of employees to find a best-fit replacement. Simply open the find replacement tool and fine-tune your search to find a qualified shift replacement in minutes. 

   The feature worked as defined during my testing. I appreciate the use of AI and a rule-based engine to streamline shift replacement. It helps address last-minute scheduling challenges more effectively and easily. My only concern is that tailoring ‌replacement rules to each unique situation can be complex. 

   Monitor Guards’ Activity with Geofencing

   Besides scheduling guards, Celayix helps monitor their attendance and field activities. The app lets you create virtual boundaries (geofences) around post sites. With the geofence, guards can only check in when they are physically within the assigned areas. This helps ensure each guard is in the right place, at the right time. 

   However, the geofence creation process could be simpler. I found it a bit difficult to create geofences, mainly because you have to enter the exact geolocation coordinates of each site. If you don’t know the coordinates or have multiple sites within the same address, the accuracy of each geofence can be compromised.

   Key Features

   • Rule-based guard scheduling
   • Team communication
   • Time-off management
   • Time and attendance tracking

   Pros

   • Time-saving guard scheduler
   • Geofencing to restrict guards check-ins

   Cons

   • Steep learning curve for new users
   • No free trial or free plan

   Pricing

   Starts at $5.40/employee + $22.50/scheduling manager/month Trial: Yes — 14 days Free Plan: No

   Read our in-depth Celayix review Visit Celayix
3. 

   GuardsPro — Good for dispatch call management

   Available on

   • Web

   

   My list can’t be complete without GuardsPro. This is a feature-rich workforce management solution, designed specifically for the security industry.

   Why I chose GuardsPro: I chose GuardsPro because all its functionalities are optimized for businesses in the security niche. The software boasts an impressive array of basic and advanced features, which suffice for security companies of all sizes. While the vendor doesn’t offer a free plan, the 30-day free trial gives you ample time to test the features before committing.  

   Let’s discuss some of GuardsPro’s main features:

   Security Guards Scheduling

   GuardsPro uses template-based scheduling, which I found perfectly suited for the repetitive tasks in the security industry. Remember that guards duties typically follow the same routine, making templates indispensable assets. With the app, you only need to pull a template from your catalog to create a schedule in minutes.

   

   The template-based system reduces ‌manual work, freeing you up to other critical security tasks. You can also duplicate shifts and allow guards to exchange shifts on their own to speed up the process. Once you assign a shift, GuardsPro notifies guards instantly, so everyone is aware of their next move.

   Effective Dispatcher

   Another thing I liked was the call dispatch system, which works effectively during emergencies. When a client calls in with an emergency, GuardsPro allows the dispatcher to save all important details about the incident. They can record the source of the call, nature of the incident, details about the caller, and more.

   The true benefit of the call dispatch feature lies in its ability to expedite incident resolution. It lets you designate one or multiple guards and notify them instantly. This minimizes response time, ensuring threats are dealt with quickly and comprehensively. Additionally, guards can provide real-time updates with comments, audio, and images through the mobile app.

   My only issue with the call dispatcher is that initial training may be required. For example, you have to acquaint managers with the dashboard for accurate data entry. Employees who’re not accustomed to digital tools may require training on how to provide live updates.

   Field Activity Monitoring

   GuardsPro comes to its element when used for guard monitoring. I found an array of powerful tools that enable supervisors to stay on top of field activity. For example, with the geofence, managers get instant notifications when a guard exits a designated area. The alerts help ensure guards stay within the post site for the whole shift, so nothing goes haywire.

   The live tracker provides real-time location updates for a 360-degree view of all security teams. I like this feature because it enables managers to monitor field activities, especially during patrols. Moreover, GuardsPro provides idle alerts, so you can spot guards who might be slacking off. This leads to improved productivity and effective security operations.

   Key Features

   • Call dispatcher
   • Guard attendance
   • Geofencing and live tracker
   • Idle alerts

   Pros

   • Template-based guard scheduling
   • Efficient call dispatcher

   Cons

   • Steep learning curve for new users
   • Not fully customizable for highly specialized operations

   Pricing

   Starts at $7/month per user Trial: Yes Free Plan: No

   Visit GuardsPro
4. 

   Deputy — Good For demand forecasting

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android

   

   Deputy is a reliable security guard scheduling software that enables you to predict staffing needs and create labor-optimal schedules.

   Why I chose Deputy: I chose Deputy primarily because of its labor cost optimization and demand forecasting capabilities. The software doesn’t offer a free plan, which can be a turn-off for small businesses. Thankfully, there’s a 31-day free trial — no credit card required — if you need to get a firsthand feel for the features before buying. 

   Some of Deputy’s notable features include: 

   Auto-Scheduling 

   Scheduling guards manually is a breeze, thanks to the intuitive scheduling grid. Simply click on the plus (+) sign, and add the shift parameters in the pop-up window. Deputy allows you to add breaks for compliance and leave notes to provide special instructions. My only concern is that you can’t add a task to each shift, which complicates issue tracking.

   

   For medium-sized and large security companies, the AI-powered auto-scheduler is a great time saver. The tool assigns shifts based on guards’ qualifications and availability for conflict-free work schedules. You’ll no longer deal with issues such as junior officers being tasked with critical security incidents. 

   You can also set the auto-scheduler to adhere to work-hour laws, which are critical when operating in a regulated environment. The auto-scheduler worked just fine during my testing, but the initial setup was a bit complicated. As a result, first-time users might need to get up to speed with guides on how to properly configure it. 

   Labor Modeling

   Deputy’s labor modeling is an indispensable feature if you’re struggling to keep up with the unpredictable and dynamic operational requirements. It lets you forecast staffing needs based on activity levels, location, and time of the day. This enables you to deploy guards effectively during special events, peak hours, or emergencies, so you’re neither shorthanded nor overstaffed. 

   While labor modeling is an incredibly helpful feature, it has some limitations. The biggest issue is that the learning curve is steep, especially for newbies who are unfamiliar with labor modeling tools. If managers aren’t properly trained, they could underutilize or misinterpret the tool, leading to poor scheduling decisions. 

   Newsfeed

   Communication is key in the security industry, and I’m glad Deputy helps teams stay connected. The Newsfeed provides a central hub where guards and supervisors can stay in touch for flawless security operations. 

   Guards post text updates, share images, attach files, and even include videos of security incidents. Team members, including security managers, receive real-time alerts about updates and new posts. Timely notifications enable guards to respond promptly to alarms, threats, and unexpected incidents. 

   Unfortunately, Deputy doesn’t let you create custom groups or channels on the newsfeed, which is disappointing. Using the Newsfeed as the communication hub for all teams or post sites isn’t ideal. Guards will receive a barrage of notifications for non-critical matters. This can lead to distraction and increased stress levels, a recipe for disaster in the security industry.

   Key Features

   • AI-powered Guards scheduler
   • Labor modeling
   • Time tracking with geofence
   • Wage and hour compliance

   Pros

   • Easy-to-use auto-scheduler
   • Effective labor demand forecasting

   Cons

   • Labor modeling can be difficult to use
   • No offline mode

   Pricing

   Starts at $4.5/user/month, for Scheduling or Time & Attendance Trial: Yes — 31-day Free Plan: No

   Read our in-depth Deputy review Compare the best Deputy alternatives Visit Deputy
5. 

   Snap Schedule 365 — Good for callout management

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android
   • Windows

   

   Even though Snap Schedule 365 has an unconventional design, it helps ensure guards are where they need to be at the right time. 

   Why I chose Snap Schedule: I chose Snap Schedule 365 primarily because of its automated ‌callout tool. Like Deputy, it doesn’t offer a free plan — sorry, freebies lovers. Thankfully, the provider has a 30-day free trial in case you need to take the features for a spin. Let’s get into the details: 

   Guards Scheduling

   Snap Schedule 365 has ‌manual and automatic schedulers. I used both and liked the latter because it eliminates the manual effort and reduces the likelihood of shift conflicts. My only gripe is that the auto-scheduling process involves a few more steps than I would like. 

   

   To use the auto-scheduler, you must first create a schedule plan, which adds complexity for newbies. However, the plan helps tailor each schedule to your unique security operations needs. This sets the stage for more efficient guard scheduling down the road. 

   Another issue is that Snap Schedule 365 doesn’t notify guards when you publish or update a schedule, which is a huge miss. While it lets you send all schedule notifications with a single click, this process adds unnecessary administrative overhead. 

   Reliable Shift Callout Feature

   The automatic guard callout feature comes in handy when handling last-minute absences. In case of a last-minute guard call-out, Snap Schedule 365 lets you find a qualified replacement with a single click. 

   However, you have to set rules based on factors like guards seniority, hours worked, availability, and more to get the best-matching replacement. New security managers may find the process of configuring callout rules slightly complex. The good thing is that you can reuse the configured rules to streamline future callouts. 

   Time Tracking with Geofence

   Like the rest of my picks, Snap Schedule 365 allows you to create virtual boundaries around post sites. The geofence worked as expected during my testing, preventing me from clocking in when I was outside the assigned zone. 

   Ensuring guards clock in only when they are physically at the job site prevents time theft. It also ensures everyone is at their job site, protecting the assigned asset or establishment. You can rest easy knowing the team is on standby and ready to deal with any threat or emerging security issue. 

   Key Features

   • Automatic scheduling
   • Rule-based automatic guards callout
   • Geofencing and IP restrictions
   • Self-scheduling with open shifts

   Pros

   • Saves time with automatic scheduler
   • Simplifies shift replacement with automatic callout

   Cons

   • Advanced features are difficult to use
   • No automatic schedule notifications

   Pricing

   Starts at $450/scheduler/year Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: No

   Read our in-depth Snap Schedule 365 review Visit Snap Schedule 365