The Detex watchman clock served the security industry for over a century. But in an era where courts expect digital evidence and clients demand real-time reporting, physical key-turn stations are a relic.
Why QR Codes Won
QR code patrol scanning offers everything traditional watchman clocks do — proof that a guard visited a specific location — plus:
- Timestamp accuracy to the second, not the hour
- GPS correlation confirming the scan location matches the QR placement
- Real-time reporting — supervisors see scans instantly, not next morning
- Photo attachment — guards can document conditions at each checkpoint
- Digital audit trail — no lost keys, damaged stations, or illegible stamps
Implementation Best Practices
Placement Strategy
Place QR checkpoints at locations that matter for liability and coverage:
- Entry and exit points — prove coverage of access control areas
- High-risk zones — parking structures, loading docks, executive areas
- Required patrol points — match your post order patrol route requirements
- Client-specified locations — wherever the contract requires documented coverage
Scan Requirements
Define clear expectations:
- Minimum scans per shift (e.g., all checkpoints at least once per 2-hour rotation)
- Required scan sequence (if patrol order matters)
- Photo requirements at specific checkpoints (e.g., "photograph the loading dock door status at each scan")
- Missed scan escalation procedures
Environmental Considerations
QR codes need to survive the elements:
- Use weather-resistant lamination or metal-backed codes for outdoor locations
- Place at consistent heights (eye level) for quick scanning
- Ensure adequate lighting or use reflective backing for night shifts
- Keep backup codes stored digitally for rapid replacement
The Data Advantage
Over time, QR patrol data reveals patterns that improve operations: which checkpoints are consistently missed (route redesign needed), which shifts have the fastest completion times (potential skipping), and which sites have the most thorough coverage (replicate those practices).
Client Reporting
QR patrol data translates directly into client deliverables. Automated reports showing patrol completion rates, coverage maps, and timestamp verification give clients confidence — and justify contract renewals.