3 Advantages of Using QR Codes for Guard Tours Over RFID and NFC Tags

Most guard management systems today include a digital accountability tool that replaces the traditional guard tour wand and proves officers are hitting their stops at the assigned times. The most common checkpoint technologies are QR codes, NFC tags and RFID tags, and each has strengths.

This article explains what each technology is, the three biggest advantages QR codes offer, where NFC or GPS may be a better fit, and how a TrackTik guard tour system lets you use the right method for every location.

QR Codes vs. RFID vs. NFC

Before comparing the pros and cons, here is a quick definition of each technology:

• QR (Quick Response) code: QR codes are similar to barcodes and can be scanned quickly by any camera-equipped smartphone.
• RFID (Radio Frequency Identification): RFID chips can be embedded or placed around a site and emit low-level radio signals that are read with specialized equipment. Both short-range and long-range tags exist, but short-range tags are most common in security.
• NFC (Near Field Communication) tag: NFC is a short-range wireless technology that exchanges data when a phone is held very close to a tag. It is the same technology behind mobile wallets, and today most smartphones have NFC built in.

Guard Tour Checkpoint Methods Compared

Factor	QR code	NFC tag	RFID tag	GPS geofence
Cost per checkpoint	Very low, just print	Low, but adds up across many sites	Low to moderate, plus readers	None
Extra hardware	Any smartphone camera	NFC-enabled smartphone	Dedicated reader	GPS-enabled smartphone
Speed to deploy	Fastest	Fast, once tags arrive	Slower	Fast
Tamper resistance	Lower, codes can be copied	High, requires close contact	High	Moderate
Best for	Low-risk interior stops and fast rollouts	High-security doors, rooms and assets	Legacy or specialized systems	Outdoor perimeters and open areas

For a deeper look at the trade-offs, see What Is Checkpoint Verification? NFC vs. QR vs. GPS Compared.

3 Advantages of QR Codes for Guard Tours

1. QR Codes Are Low Cost

RFID and NFC tags are relatively inexpensive, but when you use a large number of them across many properties, the cost adds up. QR codes cost almost nothing. You just generate them and print them.

QR codes also don’t require additional equipment. Whether you use company phones or a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, nearly any smartphone or tablet can read them. RFID tags, on the other hand, require dedicated readers that add to the cost of every deployment.

On cost alone, QR codes are hard to beat. All you need is a printer and durable label stock.

2. QR Codes Are Easy to Deploy and Replace

With NFC and RFID tags, you have to wait for the manufacturer to ship more when you run out. QR codes can be printed whenever you need them, and relatively inexpensive portable label printers can create them on site if you want that added convenience.

Officers are also likely to have used QR codes before, so there is little to no training needed. None of these technologies are difficult to use, but familiarity helps new officers get up to speed faster with the TrackTik security guard tour app.

3. QR Codes Offer Flexible Placement

Embedding chips or tags on site can be a laborious process. You have to visit each location, make sure each tag is properly attached and keep checking that tags haven’t been damaged, removed or stolen.

QR codes are more flexible. Some operations even keep checkpoint codes in a binder or book that officers carry, especially where they can’t post codes on walls. When an officer reaches the location, they scan the matching code with their phone. This approach is similar to running guard tours without physical checkpoints.

If you use this approach, pair each scan with GPS location and a required photo of the site. Without those controls, a carried code could be scanned from anywhere, so the extra verification is what preserves true accountability and proves officers are actually on site.

When NFC or GPS Is the Better Choice

QR codes are a great fit for many locations, but they are not always the right tool. Consider other methods in these situations:

• High-security areas: NFC requires the phone to be within a few centimeters of the tag and can’t be scanned from a photo, which makes it a strong choice for server rooms, access doors and secured assets. Learn more about enterprise guard tour systems with NFC integration.
• Harsh environments: Printed codes can fade or get damaged outdoors, while durable NFC tags hold up better in weather and high-traffic areas.
• Outdoor perimeters and open areas: GPS geofenced checkpoints verify presence where you can’t mount a tag, and they work well for mobile patrol routes.
• Low-risk interior stops: QR codes remain the fastest and lowest-cost option for routine checkpoints.

Getting the Most From Your Checkpoints With TrackTik

This isn’t a choice you have to make once. All of these methods can work well, and the strongest guard tour programs match the method to each location. TrackTik, the security workforce management platform from Trackforce, supports QR code, NFC, barcode, GPS and manual check-ins in the same tour.

• Actions at every checkpoint: Each scan can log an incident, display instructions, open a report form or ask exception questions, and incidents flow straight into TrackTik incident reporting.
• Smart placement: Use these 31 areas to consider when placing guard tour checkpoints to decide where each checkpoint should go.
• Proof for clients: TrackTik business intelligence turns checkpoint scans into reports and dashboards that show clients exactly when and where officers patrolled.

Setting up checkpoints well helps you go beyond accountability to improve guard management and reduce training time. No matter the size of your security operation, you can request TrackTik pricing based on your sites and modules, or book a TrackTik demo to see mixed checkpoint tours in action.