GUARD DISPATCH & KEYHOLDING

Did you know that AURA also does keyholding?

Our technology was designed to deliver the fastest and highest quality alarm response solution. Two years ago we tailored our technology to deliver a traditional keyholding service and also gained ACS keyholding accreditation.

Traditional keyholding, enhanced by AURA.after you press it.

AURA lets you continue using preferred suppliers in areas where they have performed well, or choose a new partner from the AURA network. Either way, our technology overlays real-time tracking, automated dispatch, digital audit trails, verified on-site photos and active 24/7 control room monitoring – without changing your physical key workflows or installing key safes.

Compare the difference

Differentiators

Why AURA stands out

Dispatch to your keyholder

AURA uses ARC and smart dispatch to connect to your supplier holding your key. Each dispatch starts a digital audit trail, reducing calls during escalations.

A preferred local keyholder

For physical keys held off-site, AURA dispatches the preferred local response partner holding your key. You retain a single keyholder for the site, supported by AURA’s technology and operational oversight.

Real-time digital tracking and photo verification

AURA provides live GPS tracking, instant digital logs and photo verification sent immediately to the ARC and client portal, replacing more manual workflows.

Active operational control support

AURA’s 24/7 control rooms actively monitor dispatches and handle site exceptions, preventing ARC operators from having to manage response manually. This approach frees up ARCs and control rooms.

Simple pricing

AURA offers simple pricing: a monthly keyholding fee plus call-out fees. Agree your sites, service scope and call-out terms with our UK team for clear budget planning.

ACS accreditation and rigorous UK compliance

AURA UK Services Limited holds ACS status and works exclusively with vetted partners adhering to British Standards (BS 7984), offering consistent national standards compliance.

How does AURA work with a keyholding solution?

Discover how AURA supports keyholding through our network and preferred supplier options.

Learn more

How keyholding works

The right response model for every site

Agree site access

Record access methods, response instructions and preferred suppliers. Agree how to enter, what to check and who to contact.

Match your dispatch model

Access the AURA network for sites with on-site key safes and keyless sites, or allocate a preferred network partner to be the keyholder when physical keys are held off-site.

Track the response

Follow the dispatched responder in real time with live GPS tracking, whichever access model your site uses.

Review the audit trail

Review attendance, site checks and incident reporting with photos and timestamps for a clear digital record of the response.

Learn about our technology

Chat to us

Comparison

AURA keyholding

Quick Recommendation

Choose AURA for traditional keyholding enhanced by automated dispatch, live tracking, digital reporting and 24/7 oversight — with your preferred local partner holding the physical key.

AURA UK

Traditional keyholding

Physical alarm response

Site attendance

Yes — SIA-licensed mobile responders

Yes — dedicated keyholder/patrol guards

Dispatch mechanism

Cuts delays

Automated dispatch to the partner holding your key

Manual phone-call coordination

Network architecture

A dedicated keyholder

Single preferred supplier with the physical key

Single-company fleet and fixed local routes

Response time performance

Faster arrival

30-minute target average

Variable — 45–60+ minutes depending on route

Live tracking and visibility

Live visibility

Real-time GPS guard tracking and status updates

None — no live tracking available to ARC

Incident reporting

Instant proof

Instant digital reports with photo verification for you and customers

`Delayed summaries or high-level status updates only

ARC/CMS integration

Seamless sync

Direct API and software integration — Sentinel, Immix and others

Limited integration dependent on vendor

Operational exception oversight

Active oversight

Active 24/7 AURA control room oversight

Dependent on ARC to follow up

UK standards and accreditation

Guaranteed compliance

SIA ACS status and BS 7984-aligned partners

Variable — some non-ACS local companies; vendor vetting required

Information accurate as of September 2026, based on publicly available sources. Products, pricing and availability may change; please contact us to submit a documented correction.

A practical way to switch

See AURA keyholding in action

Start with a one-month proof of concept on selected sites. Review dispatch, tracking and reporting before deciding on a wider rollout.

Speak to the team

Agree the trial scope

Select the sites, confirm access instructions and agree preferred or local supplier arrangements.

Onboard with support

Set up the selected sites and response model with the AURA team for a one-month proof of concept.

Review before wider rollout

Review response and reporting together, then decide how to approach a broader rollout across your portfolio.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about AURA response services.

How does AURA deliver keyholding?

Does AURA replace traditional keyholding, and how does it access properties?

How does AURA integrate with UK Alarm Receiving Centres and handle exceptions?

How does AURA’s pricing model differ from traditional keyholding retainers?

Are AURA’s UK response partners SIA licensed and accredited?

How do you ensure a high-quality call-out if a different security officer attends the same site?

How do you get access to the property?

What value do you provide if you do not go into the property?

Want to learn more?

Book a demo and discuss options with our team.

Speak to our UK Partner Team