The verdict in three sentences
A security guard company managing 600 guards and 180 sites with paper logbooks and phone calls cannot prove to clients that night patrols actually happened. A custom platform costing 8 to 22 million FCFA (12,200 to 33,500 EUR) connects NFC or QR checkpoints, an electronic incident log, guard scheduling and payroll preparation. The return shows up in retained contracts, avoided penalties and recovered office hours.
Budget for guard patrol software in 2026
The figures below are 2026 ballpark estimates for a company of 200 to 1,000 guards in Senegal. They cover design, development, an Android app and training for site supervisors.
| Scope | Features | Budget excl. tax (FCFA) | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrol control | NFC or QR points, guard app, missed-patrol alerts | 8,000,000 to 11,000,000 | 8 to 10 weeks |
| + Electronic log | Incidents with photos, geolocation, client PDF report | 10,000,000 to 13,000,000 | 10 to 12 weeks |
| + Guard scheduling | Day and night shifts, replacements, overtime | 13,000,000 to 16,000,000 | 12 to 15 weeks |
| + Payroll preparation | Hours, night bonuses, absences exported to payroll software | 15,000,000 to 18,000,000 | 14 to 17 weeks |
| + Client portal | Clients access reports and KPIs for their sites | 18,000,000 to 22,000,000 | 16 to 20 weeks |
| Yearly maintenance | Hosting, support, Android updates | 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 per year | Ongoing |
Hardware stays modest: an NFC tag costs 1,000 to 2,500 FCFA (1.50 to 3.80 EUR), a laminated QR code almost nothing. For 180 sites with an average of 6 checkpoints, budget about 2 million FCFA for tags. Guards use entry-level Android phones (45,000 to 70,000 FCFA) with a data plan of 3,000 to 5,000 FCFA per month.
NFC, QR or GPS: which patrol proof to choose?
The technology choice depends on the level of proof the client requires and the fraud risk on site.
| Technology | Cost per point | Proof reliability | Fraud risk | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QR code | Under 500 FCFA | Medium | A photo of the QR can be scanned | Low-stakes sites |
| NFC tag | 1,000 to 2,500 FCFA | High | Low, tag is fixed and unique | Banks, warehouses, embassies |
| GPS only | 0 FCFA | Medium in town | 10 to 30 m inaccuracy | Large outdoor patrols |
| NFC + GPS + photo | 1,000 to 2,500 FCFA | Very high | Very low | Sensitive sites, tenders |
| Man-down alert | Included in the app | Immobility alert | Not applicable | Lone night workers |
The software compares each scan with the planned patrol route. If a checkpoint is not scanned within 15 minutes, the supervisor gets a WhatsApp or SMS alert. The client receives a PDF report with patrol times the next morning.
What management gains
Tenders from banks, NGOs and industrial firms in Dakar increasingly require patrol proof and monthly KPIs. A company that delivers this reporting stands out against competitors charging 5 to 10% less. Internally, payroll for 600 guards with night bonuses and replacements often ties up two people for a week each month.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mamadou, operations director of a Dakar security company (600 guards, 180 sites), chooses the scope with scheduling and payroll preparation at 16 million FCFA excl. tax (about 24,400 EUR). He saves 50 admin hours a month, valued at 4,000 FCFA per hour, or 2.4 million FCFA a year. More importantly, he keeps a bank contract worth 9 million FCFA a month that was at risk for lack of patrol proof, and wins a new 6 million FCFA monthly contract thanks to the reporting. With a 15% net margin on those 15 million a month, or 2.25 million a month, the project pays back in under eight months.
FAQ
How much does patrol control software cost in Dakar?
A standalone patrol control module starts around 8 million FCFA (12,200 EUR) excl. tax in 2026. With scheduling, payroll and a client portal, the budget rises to 22 million FCFA.
Does the app work without internet?
Yes, NFC or QR scans are stored on the phone and sent as soon as the network returns. A night patrol in a basement is still logged to the minute.
Can the software connect to our payroll system?
The payroll module exports hours, night bonuses and absences in the format expected by Sage or as a structured Excel file. This cuts manual entry time by 60 to 80%.
Can clients check reports themselves?
With the client portal, each client sees its sites, patrols and incidents. This option adds 3 to 4 million FCFA to the budget and is very reassuring at renewal time.
How long to equip 180 sites?
The software ships in 8 to 20 weeks depending on scope. Installing tags and training guards takes another 3 to 4 weeks, rolled out site by site.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of guards, sites and client requirements and we will price a scope between 8 and 22 million FCFA with a field rollout plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
