In the growing landscape of fire safety documentation tools, Onetrace has established a presence as a digital solution designed to manage passive fire protection records. Touted for its mobile accessibility and centralised data storage, the platform has attracted contractors, surveyors, and fire safety professionals seeking to streamline compliance workflows.
But how well does Onetrace really deliver for modern fire safety teams? And what alternatives are emerging as stronger yet more affordable contenders for those seeking flexibility, simplicity, and full auditability?
SSO Integration: Security Still Optional?
In a time when cybersecurity and efficiency go hand-in-hand, Single Sign-On (SSO) has become a baseline expectation for organisations that want to manage user access securely and at scale. Unfortunately, Onetrace does not currently support SSO, which can lead to access delays, password fatigue, and friction for IT administrators managing multiple users.
FireArrest offers full SSO integration, allowing teams to log in using their existing organisational credentials. This not only improves security but also simplifies onboarding and reduces administrative headaches for larger contractors and enterprise clients.
Geofencing: Location-Linked Accuracy
For those managing large or multi-site projects, verifying that work is recorded on-site — and not from a van miles away — is essential. Onetrace currently lacks geofencing capabilities, which means location spoofing or accidental errors may go unchecked.
By comparison, FireArrest includes built-in geofencing, which confirms the user’s location when uploading site data. This strengthens accountability, improves audit trails, and ensures that what’s reported is actually tied to the physical site.
User-First Development: Listening, Not Lagging
One of the major frustrations users express with some legacy platforms is the slow pace of updates or lack of responsiveness to feedback. Larger companies with layered decision-making processes can struggle to implement what users actually want.
FireArrest stands out with a tight-knit, specialist development team that prioritises user feedback and delivers iterative improvements based on real-world use. From on-the-ground fire stoppers to admin teams, the platform evolves quickly because it’s built by people who are close to the industry — and listen.
Timestamped Images: More Than Just a Photo
Photos are a critical part of any fire-stopping record — but without verified timestamps, they can leave gaps in compliance evidence. Users of Onetrace have raised concerns over the lack of image-level auditability, which could be an issue during inspections or disputes.
FireArrest automatically timestamps every image, recording the exact time and date work was captured. Combined with user, form, and geolocation data, this creates an unbreakable audit trail trusted by compliance officers and clients alike.
Rapid Support: What Does Onetrace Provide?
Support can make or break software adoption. One of the more consistent criticisms of Onetrace is that support response times can vary, and users sometimes feel pushed toward self-service.
FireArrest commits to real support — in under 10 minutes — with a real person. Whether it’s a live issue on-site or a quick query about functionality, teams can rely on timely, informed responses without ticket queues or chatbots. For a compliance-critical industry, that peace of mind matters.
Final Word: Know Your Options Beyond Onetrace
While Onetrace offers a functional entry point into the world of digital fire-stopping records, it leaves gaps in key areas — from SSO and geofencing to user responsiveness and timestamped compliance data.
In contrast, FireArrest continues to set the bar higher — delivering speed, accuracy, and reliability for those serious about fire safety. With a human-centred design and rapid development cycles, it’s not just software. It’s a tool built for real-world compliance, backed by real-world support.
Make your start with a Onetrace alternative for free at www.firearrest.com.
