It is critical for all businesses to be physically secure to protect its assets, employees and tenants. There are several methods that can be used to provide the most appropriate level of security to fit the specific needs of any business.

Types of Commercial Security Systems

Some of the most common forms of commercial security systems include:

• Surveillance systems
• Access control
• Door locks

Commercial businesses can have all of these types of security systems. It really depends on the type of buildings and level of security needed or desired. On this page, we’ll describe each system in detail so that you can determine what is available and appropriate for protecting your business.

Security Surveillance Systems

Importance of Security Systems

Knowing what goes on in and around your business is critical to protecting it from theft, burglary, arson, vandalism and other acts that can cause damage. Even a small business needs security. That’s why it’s important to install a security surveillance system on your premises.

Security surveillance systems are composed of cameras, monitors and recorders.There are many types and combinations that are available. You’ll need to determine the level of security that you need, then decide on the system that’s best for your situation. You may want to start gradually and add more robust security later; the important thing is to get one set up as soon as possible.

• Importance of security surveillance systems
• What to know before getting a security surveillance system
• Buying Guide to security systems
• Choosing a video surveillance system

Cameras and Recording Devices

​Security cameras can capture transactions and activities that are within their area of coverage. The types of camera and quality of imaging they provide are important factors that need to be considered. If the image is so grainy or blurry that you can’t determine who the person is or what is happening, it’s not much better than having nothing at all.

Another component of a surveillance system is the recording device. If you have a camera without a recording device, you won’t have a history of activity. To get any benefit from the camera surveillance, you’d need someone watching it live at all times.

There are Digital Video Recorders (DVR) and Network Video Recorders (NVR). The basic difference between them is that the DVR processes the video data on the physical recorder, while an NVR encodes and records data at the camera, then streams it to the NVR for storage and remote viewing. Each requires specific types of cameras. DVRs are paired with analog cameras; NVRs use IP cameras.

• Types of security cameras
• Best security cameras for your business
• Components of a security surveillance system
• Where should you place security cameras?
• Pros and cons of DVR and NVR recorders

Access Control

​Unless you run a retail business, where many different and unknown individuals visit during open hours, you will need to control who enters and exits their premises. That’s where a robust access control system can help.There are various types of access control systems. Each one controls access in different ways. Your business may need more than one of these systems to achieve the right level of security to protect your assets. Some factors to consider in deciding which types of access control to implement are:

• Do you want to restrict entry to employees?
• Do you have vendors who require access to the building?
• Are certain areas of your building restricted to a handful of people?
• Will someone in your company need to remotely monitor and grant access?

Once you determine your needs, you’ll be better equipped to decide on the access control system(s) right for your business.

• Reasons to have an access control system
• Types of access control systems
• Giving vendors access

Keyless Entry Systems

You may still use keys to unlock the doors to your home. Issuing and tracking a few keys to your family members is not a daunting task. However, if your company has a number of employees who come and go throughout the day, issuing, tracking and replacing keys can be a full-time job.

Many businesses are now issuing access cards or key fobs that are programmed to allow access to one or more areas of the premises. Individuals simply swipe the card or key fob across a card reader to gain access. Both the cards and fobs use the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that transmits radio waves from the fob or card through the reader.

• Differences between key fobs and access cards
• Advantages of magnetic locks
• Exit devices (panic bars)
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology

Door Locks and Closures

There are robust door locking and unlocking systems for commercial use that restrict access to only those authorized. They are necessary for increased security, enhanced control and safety.

Restricted commercial lock and key systems are designed to prevent unauthorized duplication of keys to be made. They provide protection against lock picking, bump keying, drill attacks and unauthorized key duplication. An authorization list establishes who does and does not have access to the keyway and whether they are authorized for receiving and duplicating keys. This allows your business total key control; you know exactly how many keys exist at all times and who ordered them.

A master key system is one where there is one key that opens every lock in the building. You can issue other keys to individuals that open locks to authorized areas. For example, office workers get a key that opens the office, while warehouse workers get a different key to access the warehouse. Your master key opens the locks in both areas. This helps restrict access to only authorized individuals.

• Restricted high security commercial lock and key systems
• Master key systems
• Electronic door locks
• How electric strikes work