Print and place checkpoints so scanning stays fast and reliable.
PatrolSync checkpoints can be printed using a Brother label printer or a standard A4 office printer. This guide covers both methods and explains how to place and protect the labels once they are printed.
Brother label printers — the recommended option.
Brother label printers produce sharp, self-adhesive labels that are ready to stick straight away. They are the most reliable way to print PatrolSync checkpoints consistently across multiple sites.
Recommended models
The Brother QL-800, QL-810W, and QL-820NWBc are the models we recommend. They all support 62mm wide label rolls, connect easily to Mac and Windows, and produce consistent print quality.
The QL-810W and QL-820NWBc add wireless printing, which is useful if the printer will be shared across a team.
Label roll to use
Use a DK-22205 continuous white label roll (62mm wide). This is the standard roll for these printers and gives you full control over label length. Set the label length to 62mm in the printer driver to produce a clean 62 × 62 mm square label.
DK rolls are available from Brother directly, Amazon, and most office supply retailers.
Printer setup
Install the Brother printer driver from the Brother website or let your operating system install it automatically when the printer is connected. Set the label size to 62 × 62 mm, disable scaling, and print at 100%. See the Mac or Windows setup guide for step-by-step instructions.
Why labels work well
Brother labels peel and stick directly without any cutting, laminating, or extra adhesive. The thermal printing process produces a sharp, durable QR code. Labels hold up well indoors and in covered outdoor areas.
Standard A4 office printers — a practical alternative.
Any A4 printer will work for printing PatrolSync checkpoints. You will need to cut the paper down to size after printing, then attach and protect the label yourself. This is a good option for getting started quickly or printing occasional replacements.
Printing
Print the checkpoint PDF from the portal at 100% scale. Do not use “fit to page” or “shrink to fit” — these will scale the QR code down and may cause scanning problems.
Use plain white paper or, for better results, print on self-adhesive A4 label paper (available from office supply shops and Amazon). This saves you needing separate adhesive when you mount the label.
Cutting the paper down
After printing, cut the QR code section out of the A4 sheet. Leave a small white border (around 5–10mm) around the QR code — cutting too close to the code can prevent scanning.
For clean, straight edges use a paper trimmer or guillotine rather than scissors. A cheap paper trimmer (available for around £10–£15 / €12–€18 / NZ$20–NZ$30) makes a big difference and ensures consistent results across all your checkpoints.
Sticking the label
Smooth indoor surfaces (doors, walls, cabinets): strong double-sided tape works well. Use a quality tape such as 3M double-sided mounting tape — budget tape tends to fail over time.
Rough or uneven surfaces (brick, concrete, rough wood): use a self-adhesive cable tie mount or a small plastic bracket fixed with screws, then cable tie the label to it.
Posts and railings: loop cable ties through holes in a laminated label or use a weather-resistant cable tie label holder.
Protecting the label
Plain paper labels will not last long in wet or outdoor conditions without protection. Here are the most practical options:
- Clear packing tape — lay strips across the label, overlapping all edges. Quick, cheap, and surprisingly effective for indoor use.
- Self-laminating pouches — peel-and-stick transparent pouches that seal over the label. Available from stationery shops. Good for outdoor or damp environments.
- Laminator pouch + laminator — run the printed label through a laminator for a clean, professional finish. A basic laminator costs around £20–£30 / €25–€35 / NZ$40–NZ$60 and is worth it if you have many sites.
- Clear self-adhesive vinyl film — apply over the top of the label like a sticker. Available in rolls from Amazon or craft suppliers.
Place checkpoints where guards can scan them quickly and reliably.
Where and how you place a checkpoint affects how reliably it scans. A well-placed, protected label will last for months with no issues. A poorly placed one can cause failed scans, peeling, or damage that disrupts patrols.
Height and angle
Place checkpoints at roughly chest to eye level — around 120–160cm from the floor. This is the most comfortable scanning height and reduces patrol time.
Mount labels flat against the surface, not at an angle. A tilted label is harder to scan and more likely to catch on things and peel.
Where to stick them
Clean the surface first — grease, dust, or damp surfaces will prevent adhesive from bonding properly. A quick wipe with an alcohol wipe makes a significant difference.
Avoid placing labels on surfaces that flex or vibrate (e.g. thin metal panels or doors that slam) — repeated movement will cause edges to lift.
Avoid direct sunlight where possible — UV exposure will degrade unprotected paper labels over time.
Making scans reliable
Keep the QR code away from reflective surfaces such as mirrors, glass, or polished metal — glare will interfere with scanning.
Make sure the label is not behind a surface that blocks cameras — some plastic covers or dirty glass can cause scan failures.
Leave enough space around the checkpoint so a guard can hold a phone comfortably in front of it without obstruction.
Protecting labels in outdoor or wet environments.
For outdoor or high-moisture areas, the label itself needs proper protection. Brother thermal labels on their own are not designed for prolonged outdoor exposure. A4 printed paper labels outdoors will fail quickly without protection.
Running the label through a laminator before sticking it gives the best all-round protection. The sealed plastic coating blocks moisture from all sides.
Stick-on transparent laminating pouches seal over the label without a machine. Ideal for field use when you need to protect a label quickly on-site.
A practical short-term option. Apply strips of wide clear tape across the whole label surface, overlapping all edges. Replace if the tape begins to lift.
For outdoor checkpoints, use weather-resistant label stock or a protective holder suited to wet environments. Test the QR code after mounting and replace labels if they fade, peel, or become difficult to scan.
Continue with your printer setup and label sizing guides.
Once your printer is configured correctly and labels are the right size, checkpoint printing becomes fast and easy to repeat across future sites.
See PatrolSync in action.
Book a live demonstration to see how PatrolSync supports patrol recording, compliance reporting, independent report verification, and client-ready evidence for modern security operations.
Book a demoPatrolSync helps security companies prove patrol activity with checkpoint scanning, GPS-backed evidence, client-ready reporting, staff compliance records, and independent report verification.